Any way of tightening up a loose steering linkage?

[JTalley]

My steering linkage is worn out, so the van is all over the road. It occasionally pulls to one direction without warning, and for some reason the front right tire is wearing out on the inside while the left is fine. I had it jacked up and was able to turn the left wheel about two inches left or right, and the whole linkage flopped around when I did that. I have no clue how this happened so suddenly, but it did. It would take me a while to save up for a brand new steering linkage. Is there any way of fixing the old parts?

[LiftedAWDAstro]

If the parts are worn, they need to be replaced. You also need an alignment. There is no way to repair the worn idlers, tie rods and drag link. It didn't suddenly happen either. They do wear out over time. When was the last time they were greased? I would start there.

[JTalley]

I personally greased the ones I could get to not very long ago, and while there was a small amount of slack in the steering, it wasn't nearly as bad as it is now.

Where can I find them cheaply, though? I'd like to replace everything that could be worn out at once so I can be done with it. Would it be cheaper to order the parts myself, then put them on and have it aligned, or just have them do it with the alignment?

[Kidhauler]

Start with the idler arms you can do them yourself and they don't affect the alignment. They just keep the tie rod moving level. That could easily give the slack you described. Buy moog parts they are more expensive but way better than stock.

[doyoulikeithere]

Granted, Replacing ALL the front end steering components is the best bet, but costs the most.

Before you go spend any money on parts, it might be wise to see what parts are worn out the worst.

If your steering is sloppy, I would be looking for a worn out center link, or worn out tie rod ends, and if those all seem tight/no play, maybe the steering box could be sloppy inside (lots of play).

Those parts are more likely to make your steering feel sloppy.
In my experience, Worn Idlers mostly feel like a bad shimmey in the front end, and dont make steering feel Loose, really.

[1Gary]

And the bottom line is once you find what parts you need,if you can't afford them,park it until you can.Error on the safe side.

[Slobalt7]

Im having the same problem. Unfortunately I just bought my 96 and I know the previous driver was an idiot.

[Smiliesafari]

Idler arms have always been the biggest problem.Start there and then check everything.

[doyoulikeithere]

I last posted in this thread, on friday the 13th, 3 years ago
I hope he isnt still trying to steer with all those worn out parts, lol...
JT ? You still alive buddy ?