2003 Mountaineer steering problem
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
2003 Mountaineer steering problem
I noticed the steering wheel was cocked at an angle. Sent the truck in for an alignment. The shop had a hard time aligning the steering wheel. The shop also said that the power steering fluid was low and topped it off. At home I looked under the vehicle and it looks like there is a leak around the pump area, but most noticeably at the vent hose on the bellows, but I'm not 100% sure. Also there is vibration at the steering wheel. I cleaned everything up and will watch it after a few days.
Are all these symptoms consistent with a bad rack?
If so, does replacement just involve removing the tie rods and the L-shaped bracket holding the rack to the frame? or is it much more involved? Is there a write-up for this?
What about the steering wheel vibration? Could this also be from a bad rack?
Thanks.
Are all these symptoms consistent with a bad rack?
If so, does replacement just involve removing the tie rods and the L-shaped bracket holding the rack to the frame? or is it much more involved? Is there a write-up for this?
What about the steering wheel vibration? Could this also be from a bad rack?
Thanks.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,518
Likes: 2,826
Please post the name of that shop SO WE CAN ALL AVOID GOING THERE.
Did they check your ball joints?
Did they report the tie rod ends to be good or loose?
Did they note anything bent?
The rack can leak, or go to pot internally. If it's coming apart inside (like an old POS I bought) it will steer rough and hang up. Not so good when you're trying to make a sharp turn.
If it's just a leak, it's probably still a good idea to swap for a rebuild, as they are just not that expensive:
http://shop.rackdoctor.net/2002-2005...12995-1998.htm
To center the wheel, the shop must center the rack, then adjust the tie rod ends so the wheels are at the proper spec when centered. This sounds pretty easy to me, and I'm no front end man. I'm sure there is a trick or two to it, but a front end shop should have no issue with this as long as the parts involved are within spec.
R & R should be pretty straight forward once you get under there.
Vibration in the steering wheel can be alignment, wheel balance and tire pressure issues, ball joint wear, tie rod wear, bent wheels or your tires coming apart. All should have been inspected in your recent shop visit.
Stay tuned, others might chime in.
Did they check your ball joints?
Did they report the tie rod ends to be good or loose?
Did they note anything bent?
The rack can leak, or go to pot internally. If it's coming apart inside (like an old POS I bought) it will steer rough and hang up. Not so good when you're trying to make a sharp turn.
If it's just a leak, it's probably still a good idea to swap for a rebuild, as they are just not that expensive:
http://shop.rackdoctor.net/2002-2005...12995-1998.htm
To center the wheel, the shop must center the rack, then adjust the tie rod ends so the wheels are at the proper spec when centered. This sounds pretty easy to me, and I'm no front end man. I'm sure there is a trick or two to it, but a front end shop should have no issue with this as long as the parts involved are within spec.
R & R should be pretty straight forward once you get under there.
Vibration in the steering wheel can be alignment, wheel balance and tire pressure issues, ball joint wear, tie rod wear, bent wheels or your tires coming apart. All should have been inspected in your recent shop visit.
Stay tuned, others might chime in.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Firestone. I have a lifetime alignment - and that's all they did. I'll take it elsewhere for a diagnosis for vibration, but shouldn't I change out the rack and tie rods first before doing this in case this solves the problem?
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,518
Likes: 2,826
Tie rods are either tight or not.
Bad Tie Rod End - YouTube
Tie Rod Play - YouTube
How to Check Tie Rod Ends | eHow.com
Get a buddy to help, you'll figure it out.
Is the rack leaking? If so, consider replacement. You could try some stop leak snake oil, won't cost much.
As for the vibration, again could be wheel balance, worn ball joints etc etc....
If the rack is to be replaced and the tie rods are worn, best do that all at once as an alignment is required after the install.
You say there is a leak around the pump? What shows now that you've cleaned it up? Could be a hose or fitting.
A little more detective work before you start swapping parts methinks. You are on the right track cleaning up the leak area. See what happens.
Bad Tie Rod End - YouTube
Tie Rod Play - YouTube
How to Check Tie Rod Ends | eHow.com
Get a buddy to help, you'll figure it out.
Is the rack leaking? If so, consider replacement. You could try some stop leak snake oil, won't cost much.
As for the vibration, again could be wheel balance, worn ball joints etc etc....
If the rack is to be replaced and the tie rods are worn, best do that all at once as an alignment is required after the install.
You say there is a leak around the pump? What shows now that you've cleaned it up? Could be a hose or fitting.
A little more detective work before you start swapping parts methinks. You are on the right track cleaning up the leak area. See what happens.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
TNT
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
30
May 20, 2011 04:20 PM
big_i80
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Mar 13, 2007 09:57 PM
SoloTSi97
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
6
Aug 10, 2005 08:45 AM
