Cured my wandering steering - Page 7

Stewart_H · #91 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dakrri

I'm wondering if after other FTE tighten their steering box up, if they too lost the spring back when in a curve.

I would say you overtightened it then.

Quote:

I think I still need to tighen mine more. It sloppy to me at highway speed, but my wife says there is to much response in the steering.

It's just a guess, but I'd say you have more going on than the steering box needing to be adjusted.

What all have you done to your steering and suspension?

Check out the links in this thread. http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/789595-attn-dup-steering-wander-search-results-for-you.html See if the info contained within can help you. Steering wander on these beasts isn't limited to adjusting the steering box.

Stewart

Dakrri · #92 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 12:31 PM

We have new ball joints, sway bar bushings and end links, shocks, nitrogen filled tires.

When the X is parked in the driveway, I have play in the steering, both left and right, when I turn the wheel back and forth.

I’d say play is from 12:00 to 10:00 when turning the wheel left, and 12:00 to 2:00 when turning right….standing still.

At highway speed it seems to wander, but can be corrected safely.

Weird

Thanks

dakrri

EXv10 · #93 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 12:57 PM

Keep tightening the box until it is inefective. You didn't mention steering damper.

Dakrri · #94 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 01:12 PM

I hoping someone can take theirs for a ride and see what type of feedback/spring back they get when turning….does it actrully spring back like a car? And how much “play” they have while standing still.

I’ll tinker with mine this Saturday. It’s a “Btch” to get at my steering box. In order to get at it without anything in the way, I have to remove one battery, the air filter, the air filter/battery bracket, the metal pipe for the turbo intake.

I did not replace the steering damper yet.

Thanks

dakrri

howler4x4 · #95 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 03:15 PM

Not sure it's not mentioned somewhere above, but rusted axle ujoints can actually have enough resistance to limit the self-centering action that's built into the steering geometry.

And yes, the Ex steering should return to center when turning ('feedback/spring back' right?)

Dakrri · #96 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howler4x4

Not sure it's not mentioned somewhere above, but rusted axle ujoints can actually have enough resistance to limit the self-centering action that's built into the steering geometry.

And yes, the Ex steering should return to center when turning ('feedback/spring back' right?)

feedback/spring back' right...yes return to center is what I meant. But if it has too much play or wander, will it return to center? I guess I need to try and turn it both ways and do some test driving.

thanks

Stewart_H · #97 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 04:51 PM

You don't have your sig filled out yet, what are the specs on your Ex? Year, 2-wheel, 4-wheel, PSD or gasser, etc.

Do you still have the OEM springs?

Stewart

Dakrri · #98 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 08:02 PM

I have a 2004 4x4 Diesel limited...it won't let me update my signature, it says I'm missing a "token"??

I'll try some adjustments on Saturday.

Stewart_H · #99 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 08:34 PM

Do you still have the OEM springs? What kind of tires do you have? What load rating?

Stewart

EXv10 · #**100** (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 09:18 PM

It still should spring back. My '00 has 0 play at 145k miles.

blackford4x4 · #**101** (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 11:43 PM

steering box replacement fixed mine the (steering slack) ... was still under warranty

Dakrri · #**102** (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 09:46 AM

I drove my EX 30-miles to work today and I think I have the steering box set too tight. The steering feels “heavy” and the steering wheel does not go back to center when I turn.

If I was in a large space/parking lot, and turned the wheels all the way right or left I could keep going around in circles with my hands off the steering wheel.

dakrri

EXv10 · #**103** (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 11:49 AM

Jack both wheels up, turn lock to lock, check for binding.

X_Hemi_Guy · #**104** (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 06:27 PM

Overtightening is a very real possibility since there is no real criteria given for how much to tighten...many have other possible issues going on when they attack the steering box and end up with an overtightened mesh on the steering...

I'd back off on the steering mesh gears to see if that fixes it...having a steering wheel that stays 'locked' in a turn is dangerous and should be adressed quickly IMO.

good luck,
Joe.

Dakrri · #**105** (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 01:52 PM

Ok, I spent the morning adjusting the steering box. I turned it all the way out, teat drove it and then turned it all the in, back it off a 1/4 turn, and test drove it.

There was not really any noticeable difference. I have a 106,000 miles on my 2004 6.0 EX and I think it may be time to replace the steering box. The steering is somewhat “tight” and it is comfortable at highway speeds so I’ll wait until it worsens.

Any idea on the cost of a new box?

Thanks for all the input....

Hey....it’s just stared snowing here in Sheboygan WI.....Ugh!!

Go Badgers!!