Howdy guy's I got a 2011 250 SD 6.2, I have what feels like a catch in the steering, on center, when you turn the wheel feels like it just gives and stay's there, either way you turn, Checked front end, ball joints tie rods ect, the hubs are unlocked, feels like when the u-joint on the steering shaft goes bad and you get that bind. But this truck doesn't have them anymore, just a rag joint at the box. It only binds at center, and wont return, took steering stabilizer off and road tested same thing, air in tires good all the way around, has about 58,000 miles on it. Any body run into this problem suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

At about 60,000 miles my ball joints were in need of replacement. Have your front end inspected at a reputable suspension shop.

 

I put it up on the rack and jacked up the front end, put a 4 foot pry bar under the tires and there was no play what so ever, I have a grease needle and was able to lube them, just to be on the safe side, and it's also a come and go problem it seems every 2-3 weeks we have have this problem, and when it does it if you shut off the truck and restart it the problem goes away. Then after 15 minutes it's back, you dont lose the power assist but it just binds on center, there was a TSB on contamination of the steering fluid and they say to replace the pump and resevar and flush the system. I dont know!

 

Here is your TSB list for 2011.

Fulltext TSBs | Ford Trucks

 

Yes Stew, thanks thats were I got the contamination info from, just hate to put that money in there when it may be something else.

 

Remove tie rod ends from steering knuckles and move the knuckles back and forth by hand noting the smoothness. Ball joints and 4WD axle joints will cause this problem soon and often. Your steering box sounds like it is the culprit though. Let us know.

 

Another member had a similar problem a while back. It was his front outer axle ujoints. They were frozen. Like the last post said take it apart and find the bind. Rotate the front wheels while you move the knuckles left & right. Then go at the box if this all checks out ok.