Steering issues
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2012
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Steering issues
Hey guys I have a 86 f150 longbed and my steering feels really loose. I have bad bump steer. The truck steering feels loose and it wonders the road. I do a lot of correcting when just rolling over a few bumps. I can move my steering wheel from 10 o clock to about 2 o clock without much actual truck movement. The trucks feel of direction just is light and just not much of driver feedback. The way I am saying it probably sound stupid.
And I also cant seem to get my steering wheel straight . I have taken it off about a hundred times and its not bad but I don't like it. Would an alignment help? How do I know if my center link is worn? My truck only has 41k on the odo. But I do see that the truck wad hit enough to put a slight bend in the passenger side frame just a little . Any suggestions ?
And I also cant seem to get my steering wheel straight . I have taken it off about a hundred times and its not bad but I don't like it. Would an alignment help? How do I know if my center link is worn? My truck only has 41k on the odo. But I do see that the truck wad hit enough to put a slight bend in the passenger side frame just a little . Any suggestions ?
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,462
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From: Richmond
Bend in the passenger side frame would be high on my suspect list.
While you have the front end up, check the tire tread and see if either side is worn unevenly.
I have a problem with my steering gear box being worn. Lots of twitching and looseness with the wheel. Basically like I'm trying to keep it between the ditches, as Gary says. Gets worse with speed, not an issue at low speeds.
While you have the front end up, check the tire tread and see if either side is worn unevenly.
I have a problem with my steering gear box being worn. Lots of twitching and looseness with the wheel. Basically like I'm trying to keep it between the ditches, as Gary says. Gets worse with speed, not an issue at low speeds.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 2
From: Casa Grande
Before you jack it up I'd have someone work the steering wheel side to side and look at all the joints at the steering box and both wheels. For me it's easier to see play in the joints with the wheels on the ground. You just want the person to rock the steering wheel side to side till they feel resistance while you check the underside.
And just a side note, after you replace/repair the bad parts, don't forget to get it aligned as soon as possible before you destroy your front tires. And if you can take it to an alignment shop and not one of the tire shops that do alignments. It's been my experience that they tend to do a better job without trying to sell you parts.
And just a side note, after you replace/repair the bad parts, don't forget to get it aligned as soon as possible before you destroy your front tires. And if you can take it to an alignment shop and not one of the tire shops that do alignments. It's been my experience that they tend to do a better job without trying to sell you parts.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
In addition to the items previously mentioned, check the rag joint between the steering box and lower steering shaft for wear. Also check the u joint where there lower staff shaft connects to the upper steering shaft (near the brake booster).
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 901
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From: South Jersey
Before you jack it up I'd have someone work the steering wheel side to side and look at all the joints at the steering box and both wheels. For me it's easier to see play in the joints with the wheels on the ground. You just want the person to rock the steering wheel side to side till they feel resistance while you check the underside.
And just a side note, after you replace/repair the bad parts, don't forget to get it aligned as soon as possible before you destroy your front tires. And if you can take it to an alignment shop and not one of the tire shops that do alignments. It's been my experience that they tend to do a better job without trying to sell you parts.
And just a side note, after you replace/repair the bad parts, don't forget to get it aligned as soon as possible before you destroy your front tires. And if you can take it to an alignment shop and not one of the tire shops that do alignments. It's been my experience that they tend to do a better job without trying to sell you parts.
I took my truck to a "reputable" shop a couple of years ago and truthfully I don't think they did anything and scammed me. I didn't get any type of printout.
The firestone near me will do it for less than the reputable shop and will give me before and after printouts. They also won't charge me anything if it's determined I'm within spec.
(I want to get it looked at because my front wheels at further at the top resulting in positive camber and tires are wearing more on the outside).
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I agree with kedwinh and suggest the same.
In my experience, it all comes down the how knowledgeable the individual tech is, and one is generally more likely to find a decent tech (who knows about trucks) at a reputable shop than at a tire place catering mostly to Camrys and the like.
In my experience, it all comes down the how knowledgeable the individual tech is, and one is generally more likely to find a decent tech (who knows about trucks) at a reputable shop than at a tire place catering mostly to Camrys and the like.
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