steering issue
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New User
Joined: Aug 2010
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steering issue
The steering on my 99 250 is less than precise. there seems to be more slop in the middle when going straight. When you try and correct one way or the other to keep it on the road it seems to oversteer. I heard that it might be possible to tighten the steering gear box. Any suggestions?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 400
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From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Had the same problem with my 2000. Luckily it was still on warranty at the time and they replace some valves in the steering box. It tightened it up a bit but the steering is still a bit vague, but I have been told that is not unusual for that vintage.
New User
Joined: May 2010
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From: Orcutt, CA
The steering on my 99 250 is less than precise. there seems to be more slop in the middle when going straight. When you try and correct one way or the other to keep it on the road it seems to oversteer. I heard that it might be possible to tighten the steering gear box. Any suggestions?
New User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 18
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From: Orcutt, CA
,
I meant how to adjust the steering box? where to find the bolt?
I don't mean to hijack the thread but my questions will answer the poster.
The truck is an 03 with 72K mile, already checked joints, changed steering dampner and realigned.
I understand this is a temporary treatment, but I put only around 400 miles a month. So that temp fix will last me for a long time.
I don't mean to hijack the thread but my questions will answer the poster.
The truck is an 03 with 72K mile, already checked joints, changed steering dampner and realigned.
I understand this is a temporary treatment, but I put only around 400 miles a month. So that temp fix will last me for a long time.
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New User
Joined: Aug 2010
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I guess I could have given more info. Replaced ball joints on right side,they were obviously bad but left side seemed ok, and replaced the tie rod end. One front tire had a slow leak so I had that fixed so the tires stayed at an equal psi. Truck does not pull to one side or the other, but it does not necessarily go in a straight line. It is somewhat of a handfull to keep in one lane. I was told about the steering box by a friend so I thought I would throw it out there.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Oversteer/wobble
Let me just add to this: My (1999) truck drove just fine for the first three years I had it. The tires were worn out 285/16's. I finally needed to replace them and bought brand new Hankook's. I dropped the size down to 265/16's (stock) and went to have it realigned. They couldn't realign it b/c of a bad lower ball joint and a tie rod end. I replaced all ball joints and tie rod ends (and the brakes and calipers) and then had it aligned. This truck is now not safe to drive. I'm not sure what's wrong but when you get it up to interstate speeds it tends to oversteer horribly. If you hit a really rough patch of road its all over the place. I did some reading on this and found out about th death wobbles, but I thought that was mainly the 2005 trucks. It led me to check my tire pressures and the tire shop had them all at 70(ish). I dropped the fronts to 50 and the rears to 65 and it has helped the wobbles a bit but the oversteer is still there. I'm wondering maybe if there is something tweaked in the rear end?
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2010
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I have the same problem on my 1999 F250, it is the steering box. Over time the ***** inside wear out. I have tighten mine a few times, it helps, but I don't want to overtighten the pre-load because it could fail. I just have a small amount of slop about 1/2" and it is only noticible on the highway. I am going to replace mine in the next year. I would recomend to tighten the preload, if that doesn't help replace the box.
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2010
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If you tighten in up the oversteer might go away. there is probably a gap in the middle now and when you move the wheel to the other side and it hits the threashold to move the gear in the box it probably physically feels different and causes the truck to turn quicker.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2010
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Please report how you are checking it? I was able to check the steering linkage from the steering wheel to the box and the linkage from the box to the tires. I was assuming the only way to check the box would be to disconnect the steering shaft and try to check for "play".
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Steerin Box Check
OK, I've jacked up the front of the truck and then turned the wheels from side to side at different intervals. The wheels respond immediately to steering wheel movement in either direction. I did the same thing with the wheels on the ground and the truck running for power steering. I don't think the steering box is the problem unless I'm missing something?
I'm beginning to lean towards the alignment...maybe the tire shop messed up. It tracks fine in a straight line but maybe the caster is off?
I'm beginning to lean towards the alignment...maybe the tire shop messed up. It tracks fine in a straight line but maybe the caster is off?
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2010
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Yeah, maybe that would explain your oversteer problem. What size tires u have? Larger tires would magnify the problem.
OK, I've jacked up the front of the truck and then turned the wheels from side to side at different intervals. The wheels respond immediately to steering wheel movement in either direction. I did the same thing with the wheels on the ground and the truck running for power steering. I don't think the steering box is the problem unless I'm missing something?
I'm beginning to lean towards the alignment...maybe the tire shop messed up. It tracks fine in a straight line but maybe the caster is off?
I'm beginning to lean towards the alignment...maybe the tire shop messed up. It tracks fine in a straight line but maybe the caster is off?
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
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From: Lyndonville, Vermont
My 99 has alway driven like a caddy.. Straight and easy to drive. I had to replace the pitman arm joint end twice. It seems to wear fast which causes a little bit of slop. Have someone jog the wheel and get under there and watch all the joints..With tires on the ground of course.
