"Sloppy" feeling steering
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Joined: May 2010
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"Sloppy" feeling steering
I was hoping for some advice about a steering problem on my 02 F250 PSD.
When driving the steering feels very sloppy, it doesn't seem to naturally track and fall into a straight line like I'd expect it too.
I have taken it to the dealer about the steering box and personally fiddled with the steering box and I can make the steering looser and tighter but that doesn't seem stop the wandering, just make the steering heavier to correct.
Had a shop look at the front end, they say everything is in order, nothing worn out.
The one epiphany I had today way that this has Load Range E tires on it pumped up to max PSI. This was recommended to me for towing the 5th wheel, but I wonder if that is part of my problem?
Before getting this truck I used to drive an F150 and that was no where near as skittish.
I am going to try to let the tires down tomorrow and see if that improves the handling, but I was hoping other people might have other ideas too? When you tow, what pressure do you run the tires at?
Thanks,
Gary
When driving the steering feels very sloppy, it doesn't seem to naturally track and fall into a straight line like I'd expect it too.
I have taken it to the dealer about the steering box and personally fiddled with the steering box and I can make the steering looser and tighter but that doesn't seem stop the wandering, just make the steering heavier to correct.
Had a shop look at the front end, they say everything is in order, nothing worn out.
The one epiphany I had today way that this has Load Range E tires on it pumped up to max PSI. This was recommended to me for towing the 5th wheel, but I wonder if that is part of my problem?
Before getting this truck I used to drive an F150 and that was no where near as skittish.
I am going to try to let the tires down tomorrow and see if that improves the handling, but I was hoping other people might have other ideas too? When you tow, what pressure do you run the tires at?
Thanks,
Gary
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 13,710
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From: Manchester, CT
My truck has always not followed a straight line down the road, on the highway i always seemed to be correcting the path of my truck. I figured it was normal because my uncles F350 and F550 do the same thing
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
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From: Blue Hill Township
My 07 also feels loose or sloppy in the box. It is not the front end but rather play in the steering box. I was able to tighten it up a bit so it isn't as bad but eventually I am going to be looking at a Red Head steering box.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Nebraska
Tires can have a lot to do with it. I don't know, I never drive a car and all our vehicles have over 100,000 miles. My 2001 F250 always drove pretty good right up to 160k When i traded. It was a little worse before replaced the ball joints.
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I'd considered changing tires, but that isn't a cheap "experiment". Ball joints were just replaced. I drive a car a lot but even when I drive my buddies Expy EL or my old F150 it isn't even close to this slop.
I have no confidence in the steering which isn't good for the long haul
I have no confidence in the steering which isn't good for the long haul
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Fort Worth
I'd considered changing tires, but that isn't a cheap "experiment". Ball joints were just replaced. I drive a car a lot but even when I drive my buddies Expy EL or my old F150 it isn't even close to this slop.
I have no confidence in the steering which isn't good for the long haul
I have no confidence in the steering which isn't good for the long haul
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
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What you are describing is not normal. I would go to a alignment shop and get it check out. My old 250 with 145000 miles still drove like a dream.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Blue Hill Township
I'd considered changing tires, but that isn't a cheap "experiment". Ball joints were just replaced. I drive a car a lot but even when I drive my buddies Expy EL or my old F150 it isn't even close to this slop.
I have no confidence in the steering which isn't good for the long haul
I have no confidence in the steering which isn't good for the long haul
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,098
Likes: 137
I had an 05 F150 and it drove like a car. My 06 F250 needs constant correction on the highway. Nothing major but there is no "centering" feel. I've read this a lot in truck and 4x4 magazines that test all the major trucks. I had gotten used to it until now since I've acquired a car to drive back and forth. Car has good centering so I notice it more when I hop in the truck. However, it doesnt bother me one bit. It's a heavy duty truck compared to the F150 that drives and hauls like a car. Gotta sacrifice a few things for increased capabilities.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 675
Likes: 1
From: NV
I was hoping for some advice about a steering problem on my 02 F250 PSD.
..........
I am going to try to let the tires down tomorrow and see if that improves the handling, but I was hoping other people might have other ideas too? When you tow, what pressure do you run the tires at?
Thanks,
Gary
..........
I am going to try to let the tires down tomorrow and see if that improves the handling, but I was hoping other people might have other ideas too? When you tow, what pressure do you run the tires at?
Thanks,
Gary
(Axle weight/(Max tire load x 2))*Max tire pressure
For example:
Axle weight-4000 lbs
Max tire load-3000 lbs
Max tire pressure-80 psi
(4000/(3000 x 2))*80=53
Tire pressure should be about 55 psi.
Another suggestion I read was to put chalk marks across the tires and see if the marks are evenly changed when the truck moves. If just the center is erased the tires are over inflated.
(Try at your own risk, your mileage may vary, no guarantees!)
Last edited by davidkstyler; Dec 6, 2010 at 01:43 PM. Reason: CYA
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
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Ford service bullitin
I had the same problem with my 2001 F250 Diesel. Ford actually has a service bullitin you find out once you visit your local dealer about the problem.
The call it wandering steering and not returning to center. Their fix is to replace the stock sealed ball joints with greaseable ones. What a screw job huh!? My truck has done it for years and finally the ball joints were worn out so I was forced to replace them anyway, it took care of the issue!!! Also i added a steering stabilizer shock. This is only a $100 project and helps it from wandering when hitting a big bump and high speeds.
My truck was so bad that if you turned the wheel all one way in a parking lot it would just stay in that position "with no hands".
Hope this helps.....
The call it wandering steering and not returning to center. Their fix is to replace the stock sealed ball joints with greaseable ones. What a screw job huh!? My truck has done it for years and finally the ball joints were worn out so I was forced to replace them anyway, it took care of the issue!!! Also i added a steering stabilizer shock. This is only a $100 project and helps it from wandering when hitting a big bump and high speeds.
My truck was so bad that if you turned the wheel all one way in a parking lot it would just stay in that position "with no hands".
Hope this helps.....
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 675
Likes: 1
From: NV
Did you try reducing the tire pressure yet?
