Repair on steering gear box

rockhillmanor wrote:

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
"Someone's Been Into The Woodpile"
As evidenced by a washer that could not have gone missing my itself.

I agree.
The broken bolt was one thing but when I saw the washer missing on the other bolt I could not come up with any way a washer could break off!
Which btw the bolt without the washer is not bolted down flush.

Question: Would these bolts being loose and/or compromised affect the steering? And if so what would the symptoms have been?

Yes, a loose steering box will affect steering. The Pitman arm will move from it's original reference and the steering will wander. At certain times, the box may slam back onto the frame and a knock will be heard. Depending on how the steering wheel shaft is supported and the sensitivity of the driver, it may or may not be noticed by the driver. Overall symptoms are similar to having two tie rod ends failing.