Steering play problems
Steering play problems
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 778
Likes: 2
From: southeast Idaho
Yeah, it could be.. or it could be tie rod ends or a drag link ends , loose pitman arm , ball joints or even wheel bearings.. a rag joint is a good culprit for that too, need to check it out and see whats loose..
New User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
If you have access to a jack and some stands then lift the front end off the ground. Grab the wheel horizontally and try to wiggle it back and forth (basically simulate steering), if it seems pretty loose then your tie rod ends might be shot. Then grab the wheel vertically and try to move it back and forth, if its loose in this plane then your ball joints might need replacing. This isn't the most accurate diagnosis but it is a start.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 778
Likes: 2
From: southeast Idaho
Best start is to have someone move the steering wheel back and forth with it on the ground while you look at all the steering pieces and see whats loose, if you can't see everything when its up and well supported try wiggling everything and even use a bar to pry up and down on things to see if they move.. anything that moves independently from what its attached to needs to be replaced
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 17
From: Hesperia, CA
You need to state what vehicle you are talking about. It's hard to help if we have no idea what the vehicle is. Twete77 is right. The best way to check, especially if you don't have help, is to get the front end off of the ground with jackstands and just start shaking the tires. If something is loose you will see it.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ItsAFord55
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jun 18, 2012 11:43 AM
midsouth
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Nov 12, 2011 08:17 PM
The Conqueror
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Nov 4, 2007 07:37 PM
