FMTV/LMTV Steering Play Solved

[f8617]

FWIW -- I finally discovered and solved my M1078's excessive steering play...perhaps this post will be useful to others.

Problem: Drag link tie rod end wear (NSN 2530-01-462-0755, pn 12877-KL, ZF Lemforder mfg).

Removal tool: pickup truck pitman arm tool (see pix)

 

[sjohn116]

Where did you source the replacement, and cost?

 

[TNriverjet]

Very nice find. I'll have to check mine. I did a tow-in alignment over the weekend that helped a bunch too. The steering wheel is even straight when driving straight now!

 

[dronsen]

Thanks for info - what is parts source? thanks

 

[DanM7890]

My steering wheel is not even straight when I drive. Let me ask what kind of play are you feeling when driving?

 

[Oxyacetylene]

Polyurethane boots on the new ones? The boots on mine are cracked.

 

[f8617]

This part is easily found on the internet, but please confirm this NSN & PN via TMs for your vehicle. Cost should be less than the gov't paid.

 

[f8617]

...what kind of play are you feeling when driving?

Symptoms: The steering play on my was ~3inches on the steering wheel diameter...it was scary to drive, especially on narrow roads.
Failed Fixes: It was difficult (for me) to find the source of steering play. I tried tightening wheel bearings, adjusting the steering gear sectors, and toe in.
Diagnosis method: With the cab lifted, I could turn the steering gear box input by hand and noticed some take-up/slack movement in the tie rod end (btw its non-greaseable).

 

[f8617]

Additional info., on M1078 steering.

M1078 steering drag-link assembly: PN 12650 REV C
M1078 steering gear box: ZF-Servocom Model 8098, NSN 2530-01-555-4681, PN 8098-955-146

 

[Aernan]

so if I grab the tie rod with a big pair of pliers will I feel the free play? My truck only has 16k on the odo. Was this on a high mileage vehicle?

 

[Givinup]

What amount of steering play is normal? I have about 3 inches of play, but I just assumed that's the normal amount for a vehicle of this size, tires, etc.

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[Reworked LMTV]

This part is easily found on the internet, but please confirm this NSN & PN via TMs for your vehicle. Cost should be less than the gov't paid.

Auction site or ? I'm not finding this part searching the net.

 

[simp5782]

There is one on eBay


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[Reworked LMTV]

There is one on eBay


Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

Correction. There WAS one on Ebay ; ) Swooped that up. Thanks Simp.

 

[simp5782]

Correction. There WAS one on Ebay ; ) Swooped that up. Thanks Simp.

You can get the measurements off it and get ahold of moog. They are probably commercial just hasn't been matched up

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[f8617]

...Was this on a high mileage vehicle?

No, just 30k.

 

[Aernan]

No, just 30k.

I wonder why it wore out so quickly. I guess big tires makes for high forces. Could it possibly been because if alignment or drive shafts?

 

[simp5782]

I wonder why it wore out so quickly. I guess big tires makes for high forces. Could it possibly been because if alignment or drive shafts?

Parts can wear out over time. 30k is a lot of miles for a military truck. Especially dealing with the roads in this country. They don't like em well enough. They really start to eat the outside edges of the MVT tires up.

 

[Givinup]

Can a few other fmtv owners list the amount if 'wiggle' in their steering wheel. Both sitting on flat surface at idle, as well as at 35mph and 55mph?

Trying to determine if the wiggle I have is an issue or normal. I don't ever expect it to handle or respond like a regular vehicle, just want to be proactive in a solution.

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[BEASTMASTER]

I've got a good 4 -5 inches of play on my 5-ton . was really tough getting used to it when I was plowing, took out 18 mailboxes the 1st snowstorm. just had to adapt and plan to which way it was going to drift and plan accordingly.