STEERING ISSUES!!
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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STEERING ISSUES!!
After reading many post on this site and owning 2 f250 super duties I am stumped on what to do. I just bought a 2003 f250 CC 4x4 SB 115k and the steering feels wierd to me. When i test drove it i didnt notice this problem because i never went over 60mph. On the way home from buying it i got it on the interstate and had a hard time keeping it centered up in the road. It seems overly sensitive to input into the steering wheel. Next when i let off the gas it will pull to the right really bad. it does have brand new tires on it "E" load range. Any advise. Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 745
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
I would say check the usual suspects...
Check the following: Tire pressure, tie rod ends, ball joints, hub bearings, steering fluid flush (with ATF fluid!), Check Steering gear for slop etc...
If those all check out ok, then go do an allignment.
Check the following: Tire pressure, tie rod ends, ball joints, hub bearings, steering fluid flush (with ATF fluid!), Check Steering gear for slop etc...
If those all check out ok, then go do an allignment.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 149
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From: Lowell, MA
I posted a thread with the same title today! Your issue does not seem too different from mine. I have heard the PS pump might cause this, but I can't find any posts that discuss this. Does your truck have a steering shock/stabilizer? BTW I run 60 PSI all around, but 40 should not be an issue.
99 F-350 Lariat CC LB SRW 4x4
99 F-350 Lariat CC LB SRW 4x4
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 149
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From: Lowell, MA
my tires are due to be replaced. I've been wondering if they are the reason but I kinda doubt it. Other posts have indicated it may be the front axle u-joints. I checked and mine are binding pretty bad.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,156
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From: Yuba City, CA.
I would go threw the front end like others have stated. Check for any slop in, even have some one get in the truck and work the wheel back and forth to see if you see any. Check the brakes, front and rear, also. If it winds up being the steering box, look up Red Head Steering. They make an awesome box. You might also want to do a search in the 7.3L forum, lots of info there.
New User
Joined: Apr 2006
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Very easy to steer; no resistance.
My truck drove normal for years. Typical steering resistance. In one day I noticed a lighter feel steering in one direction. Within one hour of driving, both left and right hand turns became extremely easy.
I replaced my stabilizer. No change. It doesnt matter, with/without stabilizer, new or old stabilizer, it feels exactly the same way.
My concern is it doesnt have much turning resistance or centering feel. I now have to be more alert when driving because it is extremely easy to turn left or right. No pulling one way or the other. No new parts at all. fluids okay.
Reading this thread, I dont think steering box adjustment will help. I am thinking it may be the power steering unit or whatever is controlling the hydraulics. Help.
2003 6.0 F350 Crew Cab, Long Bed, King Ranch FX4
I replaced my stabilizer. No change. It doesnt matter, with/without stabilizer, new or old stabilizer, it feels exactly the same way.
My concern is it doesnt have much turning resistance or centering feel. I now have to be more alert when driving because it is extremely easy to turn left or right. No pulling one way or the other. No new parts at all. fluids okay.
Reading this thread, I dont think steering box adjustment will help. I am thinking it may be the power steering unit or whatever is controlling the hydraulics. Help.
2003 6.0 F350 Crew Cab, Long Bed, King Ranch FX4
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 149
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From: Lowell, MA
Well, I found my problem! I had a broken bolt on one of my tie rod end clamps! I must of been broken for a while, since the problem came on so slowly. What I did was to jack up the drivers side front and then roust the tire around, since I was checking my ball joints. The problem bacame immediately evident. The funny thing is that if the tire was on the ground, it was tight enough to be missed by a casual check. Especially since the head of the bolt was sill in place, along with the nut and bolt shaft on the other end!
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