Steering system need lubrication?
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6
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Steering system need lubrication?
On my 97 f - 150, it makes a squeching sound whenever i turn the wheel, sounds like it needs some grease or something. Is there anything that needs to be lubricated for this.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
Steering system need lubrication?
The most common thing when you get squeeking when turning the steering is the pitman arm. If you crawl underneath and have someone turn the wheel back and forth you should be able to hear and feel where the noise is coming from. Balljoints and tierod ends can also make the same noise but the most common is the pitman arm. It can't be greased and would need to be replaced. The only thing you can grease on the front end is the idler arm, unless you've installed any aftermarket parts with grease fittings.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 276
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From: Texas
Steering system need lubrication?
Since we're on the topic, my steering has two minor issues.
Compared to other vehicles, mine is very firm and tight. There is absolutely no slack in the steering but just about every vehicle I get into is easier to steer. Our regular mechanic thinks it's just the truck's "personality", that every vehicle has a different feel and stiff steering is just part of the deal.
Another is a creeking or groaning sound that occurs almost randomly. It's almost like that sound of a rusty screen door spring. Any ideas?
Compared to other vehicles, mine is very firm and tight. There is absolutely no slack in the steering but just about every vehicle I get into is easier to steer. Our regular mechanic thinks it's just the truck's "personality", that every vehicle has a different feel and stiff steering is just part of the deal.
Another is a creeking or groaning sound that occurs almost randomly. It's almost like that sound of a rusty screen door spring. Any ideas?
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
Steering system need lubrication?
Your creaking/groaning sound could be the same thing as muddin has. It really is pretty common.
Is your truck harder to steer than other when you're driving down the road or just sitting there? Have you compared it to other identical trucks?
It could have too much caster which makes it always want to go straight. Your power steering box could have a bit less pressure than others. Or you could have something tightening up in the frint end like the pitman arm. Do you have stock <a href="http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click?bfmid=37919709&siteid=39251846">tires </a>and rims? Wider ones or rims with more offset can be harder to turn.
Is your truck harder to steer than other when you're driving down the road or just sitting there? Have you compared it to other identical trucks?
It could have too much caster which makes it always want to go straight. Your power steering box could have a bit less pressure than others. Or you could have something tightening up in the frint end like the pitman arm. Do you have stock <a href="http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click?bfmid=37919709&siteid=39251846">tires </a>and rims? Wider ones or rims with more offset can be harder to turn.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Steering system need lubrication?
Hmm.. well it has the stock rims and tires, 255/75's. I'll see about getting our mechanic to check out the ball joints and pitman arm, I'll be honest and say the front end probably has had more off road experience than most 2wd trucks, but the whole truck has never been "jumped".. It's just been down quite a few torn up roads.
