I have a 1996 F150 XLT short wheel base 4*4. It has an automantic with a 302 (5.0) also has tow package. I'm getting close to 140,000 miles. Some times the steering wheel squeaks when turning. It is also a little loose. Moving it up and down. Not much play, maybe I can move it 1/4 inch.

I did not buy a factory repair manual when I bought the truck new. Wish I would have. I did buy one later at one of those discount auto parts stores but it is not very helpfull. I would like to remove the steering wheel to check it out but am afraid of setting off the air bag.

Any thoughts are suggestions would be appreaciated.

Thanks

Nick

 

You can't set off the air bag unless you cut the connector off the wires and put them across a battery, so don't worry about it. Look thru the GP Pics album in my signature to see how safe it is. You'll find some pics of the airbag, it's shorting connector, and the steering column.

 

Thanks for the pictures and the info. The squeak seems worse in the cold weather but then again it squeak all the time sometimes

Nick