Hi everyone. I have a 2003 F-350 CC V-10. For about 3 weeks now, whenever I turn the steering wheel there is a sound coming fron the front end that I feel sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard. About 6 months ago, I put a Pro-Comp steering stabilizer on it. Just the stock replacement one. I have heard that these things like to leak. (I learned that here.) Could that be the problem? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks and God Bless, Cory.

 

Most likely a dried out tie rod end or ball joint. You'll need to take it to a shop or get underneath while some one steers to isolate which one it is.

 

Pull the steering stabilizer and see if its working properly. If that is fine check the power steering pump

 

They don't have grease fittings if they are stock so it will need to be replaced.

 

Man I hope it's not the tie rod or ball joints. $$$ Will it hurt it to drive around without the steering stabilizer for a short while?

 

No it won't hurt to drive without the stabilizer. I haven't had one on my truck in 100,000 miles since it got smashed off wheeling it. If you have something worn out the stabilizer can mask it though so be prepared for anything when you drive it like bump steer or death wobble. If everything is food and tight you don't really need it. I can't tell mine is gone.

 

Sweet. thanks for the help, guys. I really appreciate it. I'll pull off the stabilizer and see what happens. It's been on the truck for about 6 months. I hope I can find the receipt. I got it at 4 Wheel Parts in Denver. I'll see if they will exchange it.

 

Also, is Death Wobble an occurance on straight axle trucks or just coil sprung trucks??

 

I've seen death wobble on tub broncos and straight axle trucks. It happens when parts are worn allowing abnormal movement, and from tires that are way out of balance.

 

That should be ttb broncos, LOL

 

I'll start with the stabilizer and hope that helps. Thanks again for the help.

Is there a certain mileage when ball joints start to go? I have about 82,000 on mine now. I use the truck mostly for around town stuff. Sometimes tow a flat bed trailer with a mini-train on it, about 4000 lbs total. I am planning on getting a bumper pull trailer in the (hopefully) near future. Nothing big, about 5-6000 lbs. I want this truck to last.

 

sounds just like when the ball joints went on my '04 excursion. it made the loudest worst sound when turning the wheels. i replaced mine around 90k and they were bad...really bad.

 

Wonderful.

Glad I know a shop that gives me discounts.

 

x2... same thing on my '04 SD.

 

Yeah, I talked to the shop I use. They listened to it and climbed under it with a stethascope. He said that the lower passanger side ball joint is going out. I'll get a quote from him today, hopefully.

Will it hurt to do just the one side if the other side is ok?

Thanks everyone for the help and advise.