I have a 98 Ford Expedition. Was driving around town when some stupid driver cut me off and then gave me the finger. I got mad and smacked my steering wheel. (I know dumb idea) The minute i did it the steering wheel felt like it bound up and wouldnt move. I turned it with alittle pressure and heard what sounded like potato chips crunching. When i inspected alittle further i found the piece that holds the bearings together and about six little bbs on the drivers side floor. Im assuming that these are the bearings to the steering wheel. Now there is a ton of play up and down in the steering wheel. Does anyone know the steps to change the bearings in the steering column? Is this a real tough job to do? Should I buy a new column? I took the airbag out and pulled the steering wheel off the next piece looks like a plastic ribbon with wires embedded in it (the kind in computers and circuit boards) coiled up. How do I take this piece out and am I almost to the bearing? Your help would be greatly appreciated.

 

What you are looking at is the clock spring. Before you take it off you need to make sure it is locked in position or else you will have problems if rotates, losing the correct number of rotations in the ribbon of wire. When you buy a new one there is pin or clip that holds it in place until it is installed.

 

Resurrecting an old thread. Couldn't find what I need help with a search. I have a 97 Expedition with 250+K miles. Serious steering wheel wobble. This is a tilt steering column. Airbag, steering wheel and clock spring are off. Steering bearings are shot and the spring is broken. Ignition is still in, struggling to get it out so I can get the column cover off. Does anyone have an exploded parts view that would help or any additional tips or a link to a good thread on this fix? I purchased two bearings from the dealer one large (F4DZ-3517-C) bearing asy. and one small F4DZ-3517-A bearing asy. I'll need a new spring too but don't have a part number. I've read that it's easiest to go to junkyard and replace the whole column but don't really want to do that unless I have to. I'd like to fix this and learn something. Thanks in advance for any help you may offer!

 

I've attached the steering column disassembly instructions which should help. For the ignition (see 2nd attachment), look for the release hole. You insert the key, turn it forward one click, then press in the release hole with a nail or something similar. While pressing the release, grab the key and pull outwards and the lock should come out with it.

 

alloro,
Thank you so much. Exactly what I was looking for! Can't wait to dig into it and finish the job to get it rolling again. Have to figure out what other parts I need. Not a fan of the local dealer I went to maybe I'll try a vendor here.