Loose Steering?
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 721
Likes: 4
From: Forked River NJ
Loose Steering?
i have an 2003 f250 and when iam driving down the road i have to move the steering wheel left and right to stay straight..feels like the steering is loose...any opinions?
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,598
Likes: 145
From: SE Georgia
Ball joints
If you have the factory steering stabilizer, consider replacing it, or adding dual stabilizers
I just installed a Fabtech Dual setup on my truck. It went from loose and wandering to tight and feels like a new truck. My balljoints were fine, but my factory stabilizer had died from the 35" tires
If you have the factory steering stabilizer, consider replacing it, or adding dual stabilizers
I just installed a Fabtech Dual setup on my truck. It went from loose and wandering to tight and feels like a new truck. My balljoints were fine, but my factory stabilizer had died from the 35" tires
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,598
Likes: 145
From: SE Georgia
jack up the front end so the tires aren't touching. make sure to use jackstands and have everything secure for the next steps
grab the tire and try to get it to wiggle. don't be afraid to jerk on it
take a long stick and pry up under the tire. check for slack/movement from the joints
have a buddy/wife/gf turn the steering wheel while you are watching (truck on the ground btw). you want to see little or no slop in the linkage before the tire moves. A worn joint will have visible slop...and then the tire will move. That little bit of movement is what causes the wandering and vague steering sensation.
grab the tire and try to get it to wiggle. don't be afraid to jerk on it
take a long stick and pry up under the tire. check for slack/movement from the joints
have a buddy/wife/gf turn the steering wheel while you are watching (truck on the ground btw). you want to see little or no slop in the linkage before the tire moves. A worn joint will have visible slop...and then the tire will move. That little bit of movement is what causes the wandering and vague steering sensation.
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 721
Likes: 4
From: Forked River NJ
jack up the front end so the tires aren't touching. make sure to use jackstands and have everything secure for the next steps
grab the tire and try to get it to wiggle. don't be afraid to jerk on it
take a long stick and pry up under the tire. check for slack/movement from the joints
have a buddy/wife/gf turn the steering wheel while you are watching (truck on the ground btw). you want to see little or no slop in the linkage before the tire moves. A worn joint will have visible slop...and then the tire will move. That little bit of movement is what causes the wandering and vague steering sensation.
grab the tire and try to get it to wiggle. don't be afraid to jerk on it
take a long stick and pry up under the tire. check for slack/movement from the joints
have a buddy/wife/gf turn the steering wheel while you are watching (truck on the ground btw). you want to see little or no slop in the linkage before the tire moves. A worn joint will have visible slop...and then the tire will move. That little bit of movement is what causes the wandering and vague steering sensation.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: MA
03 f350 same issues. My steering box I thought but no. I foundvthat the box was not where the play was. My ball joints r a ok also. The slop was coming from my drag link. The end connecting to passenger side tie rod. The end St the pitman arm has no play but it does have a busted boot. I went ahead and ordered both ends and a adjustment sleeve. Hoping after I do the install no more play and no more wondering at highway speeds.
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