Memory Steer
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: AR/KY
Memory Steer
Found what could be my steering problem, how to find an alignment specialist who can think, and not just do it the way he was shown. May copy and print this for him to read ( ? ) next time I take it in.
What is memory steer and what can cause it?
What is memory steer and what can cause it?
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: AR/KY
When steering and a slight adjustment for a turn or curve is required, the steering will stay as turned and not return to center when wheel is released. Steering seems to be very sensitive and tight, but like all 4X4 it has the front axle drift because it is mounted on leaf springs. I thought maybe a new ball joint that was repleced was still tight, and may be, not sure if it was pulled in by impact wrench or aligned and installed by hand, which I have heard is recomended. It feels as if there was something really too tight or was binding to keep the front wheels from centering up after a turn. Mechanic informed me it was in "spec". I don't really think he is bright enough to even understand algnment principals, so I'm still looking for a qualified shop and an alignment specialist.
New User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Memory Steer
My husband is having the same problem. He has been in several times to try to alleviate the problem. He has had ball joints, tie rod ends changed, gone in multiple times and still no luck. The steering does not return to center on its own. Les Schwab states it is possibly the steering box but isn't sure. It's $450 down the drain for a "not sure." Can someone please tell me what is going on? It is only a 4 inch lift. Could that be the problem. Thanks for your feedback.
Michelle and Dan
Michelle and Dan
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 658
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From: Parker, CO
Ours does the same thing. It'll unwind the steering in a parking lot but not all the way to center. If you're driving down the road and turn the wheel slightly it'll keep going in that direction.
I'm pretty sure it's just the nature of the truck steering technology. I'd be really interested if you find a fix.
I've replaced the steering stabilizer (it was totally shot), all front sway bar hardware and tightened the steering box 1/4 turn. Steering is definitely better but it doesn't return to center like a vehicle with rack and pinion steering.
I'm pretty sure it's just the nature of the truck steering technology. I'd be really interested if you find a fix.
I've replaced the steering stabilizer (it was totally shot), all front sway bar hardware and tightened the steering box 1/4 turn. Steering is definitely better but it doesn't return to center like a vehicle with rack and pinion steering.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
It's not supposed to and most people put too much blame on alignment. You can align it yourself with no tools and I have been doing it for years. My truck tracks perfectly with my Oklahoma align job.
Vehicles with straight axles only have the caster angle of the axle to bring it back into center and doesn't benefit from the intricacies of the control arm suspension.
Vehicles with straight axles only have the caster angle of the axle to bring it back into center and doesn't benefit from the intricacies of the control arm suspension.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
Likes: 42
From: Stevens Point, WI
Many things can cause that problem from dry ball joints to sticky gear box to bad bearings in the steering column.
I just replaced the bearings in the steering columns of two of our trucks that had this same problem. The new bearings fixed both trucks.
If your steering feels light and there are no sticking problems with any of the components than it can very well be your alignment. Mostly to return the wheel to center on the alignment side you will be looking at the caster adjustment.
I just replaced the bearings in the steering columns of two of our trucks that had this same problem. The new bearings fixed both trucks.
If your steering feels light and there are no sticking problems with any of the components than it can very well be your alignment. Mostly to return the wheel to center on the alignment side you will be looking at the caster adjustment.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 658
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From: Parker, CO
Just to clarify, the only factory adjustable alignment setting is toe. Caster can only be adjusted with the addition of special concentric bushings and some extra $$ for the alignment.
I just had the alignment done and the caster was measured at +3 degrees, which is within Fords massive range of acceptable. I feel that my caster measurement is fine. They also said the front end checked out fine.
I just had the alignment done and the caster was measured at +3 degrees, which is within Fords massive range of acceptable. I feel that my caster measurement is fine. They also said the front end checked out fine.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Just to clarify, the only factory adjustable alignment setting is toe. Caster can only be adjusted with the addition of special concentric bushings and some extra $$ for the alignment.
I just had the alignment done and the caster was measured at +3 degrees, which is within Fords massive range of acceptable. I feel that my caster measurement is fine. They also said the front end checked out fine.
I just had the alignment done and the caster was measured at +3 degrees, which is within Fords massive range of acceptable. I feel that my caster measurement is fine. They also said the front end checked out fine.
If you have to resort to using/adjusting an eccentric bushing above the top of the b-joint you probably have worn b-joints, wheel bearings, or bent parts. Caster is pre-set and determined by the tilt of the axle like a model A Ford.
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