Wheel alignment/leveling kit/heavy steering

nlfireblade · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 12:25 PM

I had a 2007 F-150 SC and I put a leveling kit in it(2.5" front and 1.5" rear). After the install I had a wheel alignment and everything was great. I didn't notice a difference in the steering.
I now have a 2004 FX4 SC and I just put the exact same kit in it and had a wheel alignment and the steering is no better than before the alignment(after the leveling kit install) I think. It is definately not the same as it used to be. It's heavy feeling, almost like I only have half of my power steering. When turning a sharp corner I can let go of the wheel and it will stay in place. The wheels will not straighten out on their own as long as I am accelerating.

Is this normal? Why the difference in the two trucks? Should I have the alignment checked? I don't want to bring it back to the same place and I don't want to pay to have it done again!

Thanks

tylus · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 06:37 PM

sounds like something is hanging

any car with power steering or not will have the wheels straighten out with momentum applied.

since you are saying it holds the turn even when let go, I'm thinking something is getting bound up in there...or maybe even your Rack/Pinion is messed up

svt2205 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 07:27 AM

Sounds like you may have a binding issue with a ball joint. I've had trucks, without leveling kits, that ball joints caused the steering not to recenter (turn back). This binding issue may have been there before the leveling kit, which may be a factor on the heavy steering. For reference, adjustments to toe can significantly change the feel to steering. Find yourself a good front end person, one who knows what happens when you adjust caster, camber or toe. Too often today, the tech doing the alignment is only looking for each setting to fall within the green. While this will be "in spec" it might not be an optimal set of settings.

nlfireblade · #4 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 07:25 PM

Before the leveling kit install the steering was perfect. It's my third ford truck and my first used truck so I'm comparing it to new trucks with perfect steering as well. I'm wondering if there is an adjustment that may have been overlooked. After the leveling kit install and before the alignment the truck still drove straight and didn't pull to one side or the other so everything was still 'aligned' that way. The spacers affect camber? toe? Is there an adjustment that may be overlooked by a tech not familiar with lift spacers?

stronger · #5 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 10:52 PM

have a helper drive your truck forward, look to see if your front axles are turning. I had a 4x4 issue a few weeks ago that would not let the front end disengage from the wheels at the hubs like it should. I was not in 4wheel drive, the front shafts were just coasting along with the wheels and like this it steered a bit stiff while they were locked.

nlfireblade · #6 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 02:25 AM

I can check it out but it would seem odd that everything is fine when I drop it off and then an issue when I pick it up. I have another appointment made to have everything rechecked.

nlfireblade · #7 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 03:13 AM

I brought the truck back to the place that did the alignment and they checked it over. The mech said that the steering knuckles(u-joints?) had to be lubricated. I found this odd and I didn't really believe it when I left. My steering was perfect again. He said it would only last so long... and he was right. After a few days the steering began to get stiff again. I lubricated the joints myself and it was fine again. These parts are going to have to be replaced.
Is this a big job? I can see the problem areas(the joints) but I'm not sure how it's all put together or what to ask for at the dealer? Is this a part that could be bought used? Is it a common problem?

Thanks