MTFCA Forum

Just recently Iv noticed a problem with my steering shaft. When I turn it, it clicks before catching the pitman arm. The pitman arm is tight and I see no moment when I turn the wheel back and forth before the shaft clicks like its got a sheared pin somewhere. Here is a short video of the sound. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Nus--li1ts

Have someone look at the end of the shaft where the pitman arm is attached to see if the shaft turns a bit before it moves the pitman arm. The key might be loose in the groove either in the shaft or in the arm. Also check the bushings at the bracket which is attached to the frame. Is there sideways movement there?
Norm

In this video it shows the shaft is tight, but there is a 1/2 inch play on top with that clicking. Im a bit nervous to take it out on the street. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDmTHpo_OVA

Play looks normal to a worn out steering box
Clicking looks like it is associated with the vice grip rotating on the shaft and the one tooth popping in and out of the woodruff groove.

I think Scotts got it. There is a lot of drag with the wheels on the ground anyway. What seems to be the issue that you are checking?

Ref: " I see no moment when I turn the wheel back and forth before the shaft clicks". If it makes the noise by turning the steering wheel, ( that is not using the vice grips ), then I would check the long gear pin that goes into the steering case, it may be hanging up a little in the groove. The grooves are not exactly alike in the 4:1 and 5:1 cases and it looks like you are using a reproduction 5:1 steering shaft. If this is your problem a little dramel grinding on the groove should fix things.

It's always good to know the year you are speaking of! the early ones have no stops.

Yep, if ya watch real close it is the Irwin 7CR Vise Grip doing the clicking.
On my Crappy 24 the column shifts at the dash a bit and clunks but that's different.