FMTV/LMTV Steering Play Solved

f8617 · Oct 25, 2016

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 · Oct 25, 2016

Where did you source the replacement, and cost?

TNriverjet · Oct 25, 2016

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 · Oct 26, 2016

Thanks for info - what is parts source? thanks

DanM7890 · Oct 26, 2016

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

Oxyacetylene · Oct 26, 2016

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

f8617 · Oct 26, 2016

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 · Oct 26, 2016

DanM7890 said:
...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 · Oct 26, 2016

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 · Nov 16, 2017

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 · Nov 16, 2017

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 · Nov 17, 2017

f8617 said:
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 · Nov 17, 2017

There is one on eBay

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Reworked LMTV · Nov 17, 2017

simp5782 said:
There is one on eBay

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

simp5782 · Nov 17, 2017

Reworked LMTV said:
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 · Nov 17, 2017

Aernan said:
...Was this on a high mileage vehicle?

No, just 30k.

Aernan · Nov 17, 2017

f8617 said:
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 · Nov 17, 2017

Aernan said:
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 · Nov 17, 2017

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 · Nov 17, 2017

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.

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