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[Travelman]

Greetings everyone,  i have alignment issue on my van and I took to alignment shop and after they the job , I still have play when I drive over 55miles. I went back to tire shop and they told me that it could be the gear box or drag link , they told me to find a mechanic to look at it. If anyone know a good mechanic in  Portland ,Oregon pls let me know. Thanks

 

[SternWake]

What type/year of Van.

It is impossible to get a true alignment when some of the steering components are worn. An alignment shop should, in theory, test these components beofre trying to align it, but then they can't take your 50$. If something is worn and needs replacemtns, there is a good chance another alignment will hevae to be perfromed.

So one should have steering components checked before an alignment and not assume an alignment shop is not going to just take your money for a half assed 'alignment' when ball joints or Tie rod ends are too worn to ever allow a proper alignment.

 

[Travelman]

It's 93/Ford E150/ 315 5.8L

 

[BradKW]

Fair to say that having "play" isn't really an alignment issue...I had an old Ford van that had probably 3" of play at any speed, but the alignment was good. It was one of those things that at first really freaked me out, especially when driving at highway speeds, but soon I became used to it and my body subconsciously adapted. There's so much money that can be dumped trying to isolate and correct that issue in a vehicle that age, because its likely not a single thing, but a combination of worn parts. I opted to just live with it and it continued as is for the years I drove it.

 

[Silver]

Good afternoon
3” of play would bug me a lot.
How long do they warranty the alignment for ?

 

[SoulRaven]

I've always heard good things about Les Schwab up that way. I get my tires from them...

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

It is impossible to get a true alignment when some of the steering components are worn.  An alignment shop should, in theory, test these components beofre trying to align it, but then they can't take your 50$.  If something is worn and needs replacemtns, there is a good chance another alignment will hevae to be performed.

Stern is absolutely right about this.

If it happened to me, I would be filing complaints with my state Attorney General's Consumer Affairs Department.  And the Better Business Bureau.  And here in NY, all auto repair shops need to be licensed by the state, I'd be filing a complaint with them, too.

Regards
John

 

[GypsyDogs]

I second LesSchwab. And, if needed- they can set up a payment plan
Saved my bacon, I tell ya.

 

[GotSmart]

I just went through that.  

New steering box, new steering control bushing, Ball joints, various tie rod ends, Bent stabilizer bar...  shocks   

It takes a lot of parts to get it right. 

I spent a lot of time under my van just looking and shaking things.  It drives nice now!

Rockauto saved me a bundle.

 

[Travelman]

My friend did tune up new shocks and new monofold change on my van. Also new tire, and oil change. My van is ready to go, accept the play but no matter what I am going g to Arizona this year for the first time. I want lead more about this life from the expert.

 

[highdesertranger]

I agree with the others. if they charged you for an alignment but you have excessive play in your steering box they never should have charged you for an alignment. when you get an alignment it goes from the steering wheel to the pavement. this subject pisses me off to no end. people that charge for something that can't be done, happens all the time with alignments and brakes. both of these are major areas were this happens.

so with you van stopped with the engine off.
1. how far can you move the steering wheel back and forth?

2. unlock your steering wheel. place your hand on the wheel at 12 o'clock position. can you move it from 1 o'clock to 11 o'clock? or more? let us know. highdesertranger

 

[GotSmart]

I agree with the others.  if they charged you for an alignment but you have excessive play in your steering box they never should have charged you for an alignment.  when you get an alignment it goes from the steering wheel to the pavement.  this subject pisses me off to no end.  people that charge for something that can't be done,  happens all the time with alignments and brakes.  both of these are major areas were this happens.

so with you van stopped with the engine off.
1.  how far can you move the steering wheel back and forth?

2. unlock your steering wheel. place your hand on the wheel at 12 o'clock position.  can you move it from 1 o'clock to 11 o'clock?  or more?  let us know.  highdesertranger

I had play when the motor was off.  When running, no play.  (power steering)  That makes a difference.

 

[ramblingvanman]

Greetings everyone,  i have alignment issue on my van and I took to alignment shop and after they the job , I still have play when I drive over 55miles. I went back to tire shop and they told me that it could be the gear box or drag link , they told me to find a mechanic to look at it. If anyone know a good mechanic in  Portland ,Oregon pls let me know. Thanks

Hello TM. It is probably in the gear box itself. Luckily, this is a rather simple adjustment ~75% of the time. 
 If it were the drag link, any semi-competent alignment tech would have noticed that and happily sold you on the repair.

Here is a quick and dirty adjustment that may help.

[video=youtube]

That is not the "best way" though. The right way, best way is to decouple the steering column from the top of the gear box and tighten the outer lock ring around the input shaft. Some people try to use needle nose pliers to do that, but it is a serious PITA to do it that way. It is easier to make a tool from a wire close hanger. Cut a piece about 5-7" long and bend it into a "U" and use that to tighten the lock ring. That will remove more play and help counter the gear wear which is most likely your real problem. Make sure to have your tires pointing straight forward when you do this, and center the steering wheel when you reassemble. This is an intermediate skill level repair where only a class b or better level tech would be allowed to do it unsupervised. You will likely need to get it realigned again. Just a toe setting though. Camber and caster would be unaffected by this adjustment.
 If you are not confident in your mechanical skill, take it to a Ford dealer and get it done right. JMO, YMMV

 

[ccbreder]

Not a good idea to try adjusting a steering box that may already have bad bearings. What kind of alignment shop did the work? sounds like Curb Side Auto.

 

[ramblingvanman]

Not a good idea to try adjusting a steering box that may already have bad bearings. What kind of alignment shop did the work? sounds like Curb Side Auto.

No one said anything about about bad bearings. Did I miss something?

 

[Travelman]

Thanks for responding. I went back the tire shop and the guy told me I should find a mechanic, he told me that alignment is fine and its other issue. Anyway I am on the road now and I really need a mechanic in Florence, Oregon.