F150 wander

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 14, 2011 | 01:59 AM

Diggs998

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

F150 wander

I have a 06 f 150 that has a very minor vibration at hwy speeds but when I put it into 4x4 it wanders left to right once I pickup some speed and I also have to back up to get it to come out of 4x4 now an info ot ideas what could be wrong would be great thanks!

Jun 14, 2011 | 10:33 AM

Oldguy4

Elder User

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 554

Likes: 1

From: Newport, Wa.

Are you running it in 4WD on dry pavement? If so, don't. The drive train is getting bound up, that's why you have to reverse to un-bind it. You should only use 4WD on un-paved, mud, snow or ice. As for the slight vibration, might just need wheels ballanced.

Jun 14, 2011 | 05:58 PM

Diggs998

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

No it was on a sloppy lease road I could feel it going from side to side but the steering wheel wasnt moving side to side

Jun 15, 2011 | 06:46 PM

Oldguy4

Elder User

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 554

Likes: 1

From: Newport, Wa.

That's over my head then. Anyone else have an idea? If you click on the box that says 'forums' at the top, then click on list and scroll down to 'misc'. In there is a forum for off road and 4WD. The guys that hang there may know.

Last edited by Oldguy4; Jun 15, 2011 at 07:03 PM. Reason: added content.

Jun 15, 2011 | 08:17 PM

Greg B

Postmaster

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 2,565

Likes: 2

If it wanders from side to side with no movement of the steering wheel I would suspect some loose or worn parts. Tie rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings, or steering column joints are some things I would check.

Jun 15, 2011 | 11:50 PM

jkarne

Senior User

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 110

Likes: 0

From: San Diego ca

just because you actuate the 4wd it shouldnt have an effect on the steering of the truck. I had a loose tie rod one day and it did the same thing you are explaining. i am saying its an alignment issue. I think they 4wd engages and disengages off a vacume solinoid so you might have a bad solinoid or vac leak. but don't quote me on that.

Jun 16, 2011 | 07:53 AM

Misky6.0

Lead Driver

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 5,420

Likes: 16

From: Ouray, CO

In 4x4, does it always pull 1 way when you give it gas?
If it pulls left - then the RIGHT hub IS working, but not the LEFT hub.
I'm wondering if only 1 of the front wheels is engaging,
as someone suggested 1 bad vacuum line?

If it doesn't wander in 2wd, it would seem not a steering component?

Trending Topics

F550 First Trip, Heavy tow, Noises / shudder

21

609
Looking for a canopy

14

275
Mustangman7 Restores A 1975 F150 Ranger XLT Supercab

34

855
The correct Carb? Tranny matters?

18

281
Engine suddenly cuts off

13

152

Jun 16, 2011 | 08:20 AM

MCDavis

Hotshot

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 10,459

Likes: 10

From: RVA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diggs998

No it was on a sloppy lease road I could feel it going from side to side but the steering wheel wasnt moving side to side

The truck was wandering on the sloppy lease road? I'm going to assume it was muddy, is that correct?
I've been on a handful of muddy roads leading into hunting properties, and each time the truck seems to have a mind of it's own as it gains and loses traction through ruts, etc. And yes the wheel barely turns.

Wandering on dry pavement would be a completely different issue, most likely related to tie rods, sway bars, bad ball joints, or something being broken and/or worn in a linkage. A IWE attempting to engage will sound like a clattering racket, and the truck most likely will not pull to either side with that problem.