Steering wheel moves by itself
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Well, spent some quality time with the truck Saturday. In my vehicles case, I believe I found the issue with the steering wheel going left to right. My brakes.
When I jacked up the truck, I grabbed the tires at the 6 and 12 position and at the 3 and 9 position and shook strongly. Nothing. Tight and without movement. When I spun the tires, they didn't exactly spin easily so I figured to check the brakes again. As I said earlier, I replaced the pads recently. The rotors had no noticeable warp at the time and the surface wasn't scored so I did a pad slap. While I cleaned and greased the pins, I didn't do as good a job as I should have. Not my style normally but it was Sunday and I wanted to get the truck back together quickly.
I took the whole thing apart again, removed the caliper support from the vehicle and cleaned the bores with a gun bore brush and some scotchbrite. I replaced the pin boots and greased the pins with some caliper grease. Smooth as butter. I also found that the pads didn't move freely back and forth so I ground a bit of the tangs down so they would move a little easier and replaced the metal clips the pads ride in. The last thing that I noticed was the lack of pad springs when I swapped out the pads so with the pin boots kit came the springs and I installed those as well.
Put everything back together and took it on the road. Truck feels good. No more left to right steering wheel movement. I think the pads were sticking to the rotors a little too tightly. Going down a steep downgrade after driving locally for an hour to test the truck revealed some rotor warp. I think this answers a lot for me.
When I jacked up the truck, I grabbed the tires at the 6 and 12 position and at the 3 and 9 position and shook strongly. Nothing. Tight and without movement. When I spun the tires, they didn't exactly spin easily so I figured to check the brakes again. As I said earlier, I replaced the pads recently. The rotors had no noticeable warp at the time and the surface wasn't scored so I did a pad slap. While I cleaned and greased the pins, I didn't do as good a job as I should have. Not my style normally but it was Sunday and I wanted to get the truck back together quickly.
I took the whole thing apart again, removed the caliper support from the vehicle and cleaned the bores with a gun bore brush and some scotchbrite. I replaced the pin boots and greased the pins with some caliper grease. Smooth as butter. I also found that the pads didn't move freely back and forth so I ground a bit of the tangs down so they would move a little easier and replaced the metal clips the pads ride in. The last thing that I noticed was the lack of pad springs when I swapped out the pads so with the pin boots kit came the springs and I installed those as well.
Put everything back together and took it on the road. Truck feels good. No more left to right steering wheel movement. I think the pads were sticking to the rotors a little too tightly. Going down a steep downgrade after driving locally for an hour to test the truck revealed some rotor warp. I think this answers a lot for me.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 205
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From: New Jersey
It happened again. lol. Now with more frequency too. Only after turns at slower speed.
Prior to my reading the newer updates on the other thread, I decided to start with a good alignment. To do so, I needed to change the tie rods and center link since the threads were unusable. I set it up as best as I could to get it to the shop. It really goes from side to side now. lol. Will see how it feels when I get it today.
I will be checking out the axle u-joints this weekend.
Prior to my reading the newer updates on the other thread, I decided to start with a good alignment. To do so, I needed to change the tie rods and center link since the threads were unusable. I set it up as best as I could to get it to the shop. It really goes from side to side now. lol. Will see how it feels when I get it today.
I will be checking out the axle u-joints this weekend.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
I doubt if the alignment would affect it. See the other thread in here on it. You can put strips of oiled rags through your u-joints ( if you don't have zerk fittings) and drive it for a couple of days or turn in circles and spray penetrating oil on them to free them up so you can eliminate that possibility .....seriously.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 205
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From: New Jersey
I actually have the truck at the dealer to do the alignment. The truck being out of alignment has tremendously increased the steering wheels side to side reaction. The service guy called me and was concerned about how bad it was. I explained that I just changed the tie rods and the link and the alignment was centered enough to drive the mile to the dealer. He was pretty shaken. lol.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 205
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From: New Jersey
Service guy calls me and says the axle u-joints are shot and the shafts themselves need to be replaced as well. Says they will probably break them getting them off. I tell them thanks, I will come get the truck. LOL. Dealers......
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Try my method of oiling the joints before you do anything else.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Actually, after some thought, how can the axle shafts have anything to do with this problem?? They spin freely when in two wheel drive right??
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
They just sit there unless the hub is locked, then they just spin freely and turn the front diff gears unless the trans case is engaged and then they are fully functioning but they can spin any time if the wheel hub and/or locking hub aren't functioning correctly. Since I cleaned/lubed my locking hubs, oiled my u-joints, and put a new PS pump in all about the same time I never was 100% sure what actually caused my steering wheel jerking problem.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: New Jersey
Ok. So I was getting ready to tear into the ball joints and axle shaft u-joints this past weekend when I thought to take it for a spin before doing so. Man she was horrible. Rocking back and forth on it's own and suddenly jerking to the left or right after a turn. So I stop, think a bit and put it into 4WD out of curiosity and all is gone. Smooth as glass.
Get home and figure it has to be the u-joints, so I start tearing into it but I get slammed to a halt. The knuckle to hub stud nuts are frozen. I have an impact gun good for about 750ft/lbs of torque and nothing. Even a breaker bar with a length of pipe isn't moving them. Yes, they were given a bath in PB the night before. Being I want the truck for a trip soon, I give in and call a real Ford Truck dealer and setup an appointment.
Today, I take the truck there and in 2WD, it's downright dangerous. Yeah, that bad. Put it into 4WD again and she's perfect. Take it slow and easy and get it to the shop. A mile or so before I get to the shop, I put it into 2WD. She's seemed normal now. I really think it's the axle u-joints. Will know soon and post the results.
Get home and figure it has to be the u-joints, so I start tearing into it but I get slammed to a halt. The knuckle to hub stud nuts are frozen. I have an impact gun good for about 750ft/lbs of torque and nothing. Even a breaker bar with a length of pipe isn't moving them. Yes, they were given a bath in PB the night before. Being I want the truck for a trip soon, I give in and call a real Ford Truck dealer and setup an appointment.
Today, I take the truck there and in 2WD, it's downright dangerous. Yeah, that bad. Put it into 4WD again and she's perfect. Take it slow and easy and get it to the shop. A mile or so before I get to the shop, I put it into 2WD. She's seemed normal now. I really think it's the axle u-joints. Will know soon and post the results.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Ok. So I was getting ready to tear into the ball joints and axle shaft u-joints this past weekend when I thought to take it for a spin before doing so. Man she was horrible. Rocking back and forth on it's own and suddenly jerking to the left or right after a turn. So I stop, think a bit and put it into 4WD out of curiosity and all is gone. Smooth as glass.
Get home and figure it has to be the u-joints, so I start tearing into it but I get slammed to a halt. The knuckle to hub stud nuts are frozen. I have an impact gun good for about 750ft/lbs of torque and nothing. Even a breaker bar with a length of pipe isn't moving them. Yes, they were given a bath in PB the night before. Being I want the truck for a trip soon, I give in and call a real Ford Truck dealer and setup an appointment.
Today, I take the truck there and in 2WD, it's downright dangerous. Yeah, that bad. Put it into 4WD again and she's perfect. Take it slow and easy and get it to the shop. A mile or so before I get to the shop, I put it into 2WD. She's seemed normal now. I really think it's the axle u-joints. Will know soon and post the results.
Get home and figure it has to be the u-joints, so I start tearing into it but I get slammed to a halt. The knuckle to hub stud nuts are frozen. I have an impact gun good for about 750ft/lbs of torque and nothing. Even a breaker bar with a length of pipe isn't moving them. Yes, they were given a bath in PB the night before. Being I want the truck for a trip soon, I give in and call a real Ford Truck dealer and setup an appointment.
Today, I take the truck there and in 2WD, it's downright dangerous. Yeah, that bad. Put it into 4WD again and she's perfect. Take it slow and easy and get it to the shop. A mile or so before I get to the shop, I put it into 2WD. She's seemed normal now. I really think it's the axle u-joints. Will know soon and post the results.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
UPDATE - Dealer has had the truck since Tuesday AM. They took it for a spin and nothing. It's perfect. I told them to take some hard lefts and rights and see. They do it and nothing. I told them maybe driving it in 4WD to the dealer 'fixed' the problem and maybe it was the axle u-joint sticking a bit or maybe even one of the locking hubs. So he tells me to give him a little time being that I told him how bad it was and that I was using it for a road trip very soon. I say cool.
Wednesday they give it to another guy. First thing in the AM they drive it. They call me and tell me it's perfect other than it needing the aforementioned alignment (remember, I changed out the all the tie-rods myself). So I said do the alignment and we will see how it holds up. Maybe it was something that loosened up. Who knows.
They do the alignment and take it for a drive. Finally it does it to the tech. FINALLY!! He takes it back, throws it on the lift and determines it to be the left side hub assembly. They call me and tell me the news. I tell them to go ahead and do it. The hub needle bearings are toasted taking out the inner hub. While they are there, I ask and he does that sides axle u-joint. I'm to pick up the truck today. Guess we will see the results then.
HD
Wednesday they give it to another guy. First thing in the AM they drive it. They call me and tell me it's perfect other than it needing the aforementioned alignment (remember, I changed out the all the tie-rods myself). So I said do the alignment and we will see how it holds up. Maybe it was something that loosened up. Who knows.
They do the alignment and take it for a drive. Finally it does it to the tech. FINALLY!! He takes it back, throws it on the lift and determines it to be the left side hub assembly. They call me and tell me the news. I tell them to go ahead and do it. The hub needle bearings are toasted taking out the inner hub. While they are there, I ask and he does that sides axle u-joint. I'm to pick up the truck today. Guess we will see the results then.
HD
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
UPDATE - Dealer has had the truck since Tuesday AM. They took it for a spin and nothing. It's perfect. I told them to take some hard lefts and rights and see. They do it and nothing. I told them maybe driving it in 4WD to the dealer 'fixed' the problem and maybe it was the axle u-joint sticking a bit or maybe even one of the locking hubs. So he tells me to give him a little time being that I told him how bad it was and that I was using it for a road trip very soon. I say cool.
Wednesday they give it to another guy. First thing in the AM they drive it. They call me and tell me it's perfect other than it needing the aforementioned alignment (remember, I changed out the all the tie-rods myself). So I said do the alignment and we will see how it holds up. Maybe it was something that loosened up. Who knows.
They do the alignment and take it for a drive. Finally it does it to the tech. FINALLY!! He takes it back, throws it on the lift and determines it to be the left side hub assembly. They call me and tell me the news. I tell them to go ahead and do it. The hub needle bearings are toasted taking out the inner hub. While they are there, I ask and he does that sides axle u-joint. I'm to pick up the truck today. Guess we will see the results then.
HD
Wednesday they give it to another guy. First thing in the AM they drive it. They call me and tell me it's perfect other than it needing the aforementioned alignment (remember, I changed out the all the tie-rods myself). So I said do the alignment and we will see how it holds up. Maybe it was something that loosened up. Who knows.
They do the alignment and take it for a drive. Finally it does it to the tech. FINALLY!! He takes it back, throws it on the lift and determines it to be the left side hub assembly. They call me and tell me the news. I tell them to go ahead and do it. The hub needle bearings are toasted taking out the inner hub. While they are there, I ask and he does that sides axle u-joint. I'm to pick up the truck today. Guess we will see the results then.
HD
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
I did oil the joints. Drove it to work this morning and all was smooth. I'm hoping for the best. Got a long drive coming up. I need it right.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 530
Likes: 2
From: LI, NY
The axle ujoints need to move, even in 2wd, when steering. If they are too tight the steering will bind.