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1972 steering cylinder question

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Old Apr 30, 2026 | 06:21 PM
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Default 1972 steering cylinder question

My steering cylinder is loose at the relay rod attachment, with the castle nut tight the cylinder will still wiggle a bit, like a bad ball joint is that normal or worn out? do I need an alignment after changing this?

Thanks

Last edited by JRS 94; Apr 30, 2026 at 06:44 PM. Reason: add info
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Old May 1, 2026 | 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by JRS 94
My steering cylinder is loose at the relay rod attachment, with the castle nut tight the cylinder will still wiggle a bit, like a bad ball joint is that normal or worn out? do I need an alignment after changing this?

Thanks
Are you saying the stud is loose in the hole of the center link/relay rod?
Replacing the cylinder doesn't require an alignment but replacing the relay rod would require toe in adjustment.
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Old May 1, 2026 | 05:42 PM
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Is the tapper loose in the relay rod? Or does the joint just feel loose. If the joint just feels loose with the engine off, that's pretty normal. It takes hydrolic pressure to tighten it up. Check again with engine running.
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Old May 1, 2026 | 06:43 PM
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Thanks guys, stud is tight, the ball moves a bit with the engine off. I notice it has a spring in there, I will check with the car running next time I lift it. I suspect all is well. I appreciate the responses.
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Old May 1, 2026 | 06:51 PM
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Originally Posted by JRS 94
Thanks guys, stud is tight, the ball moves a bit with the engine off. I notice it has a spring in there, I will check with the car running next time I lift it. I suspect all is well. I appreciate the responses.
Are you referring to the power steering control valve not the ram?
If so, you can only check it with the engine running.
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Old May 1, 2026 | 07:15 PM
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Originally Posted by MelWff
Are you referring to the power steering control valve not the ram?
If so, you can only check it with the engine running.
The ram, not the control valve.
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Old May 1, 2026 | 07:56 PM
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Well perhaps I misunderstood. The ram itself does need to pivot at its attachment. So, wiggles a little? Yes I wouldn't expect it to be tight. But how much wiggle are we talking about?
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