Loose Front end
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Loose Front end
My '95 2.3 5 spd supercab has really loose steering. I have had alignments, tire balance, ect. nothing has helped. Any one had this problem? I looked at changing the front end(cost to much), but hoped there was an easier way. What about a steering pump off a different year (anybetter?) or different car? It handels ok but smoothly.
Please help.
Please help.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
Loose Front end
If you have a lot of play in the steering wheel, or problems with drifting, you might want to put on a steering stabilizer. Basicly a shock absorber that slows down movement in the steering. I've heard of other people whose cars would drift all over the road with over 1/4 turn play in the wheel, and could keep it going strait just fine with a stabilizer.
Brian J Wilson
Brian J Wilson
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
Loose Front end
I like to adjust all of my power steering boxes about every 50,000 miles. Just don't set it too tight or you will damage it. It takes about 10-30 minutes depending on # of times required to find the right setting. I ignore the method described by service manuals and go by feel, making sure that the steering wheel unwinds freely and more or less fully after a turn when on a test drive.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Loose Front end
What method or process do you use to tighten the steering box? Any pics? Is there a bolt or something else.
There is not a lot of play to the wheel. It moves an inch or so and then the tires move, almost imediately. Is there a steering stabalizer kit made for the '95 Ranger, or will I have to mod it?
There is not a lot of play to the wheel. It moves an inch or so and then the tires move, almost imediately. Is there a steering stabalizer kit made for the '95 Ranger, or will I have to mod it?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
Loose Front end
Agreed on leaving the box alone if you've only got 1" of play. I wouldn't expect much if any improvement with new bushings unless you have a bad one. You can visually inspect for damage to determine this. Are the wheel bearing adjusted correctly?
Has it always been like this or are you trying to make it tighter and more responsive than it was when it was new?
Has it always been like this or are you trying to make it tighter and more responsive than it was when it was new?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Loose Front end
Sorry to jump into this conversation with a question, but I've got the same problem. An 86 F250 3/4 ton with really loose steering. My girlfriend actually got pulled over on the freeway for excessive weaving! Almost got the alcohol test.
I was told the first step would be getting rid of the canvas (rag?) steering column joint. They said a junk yard would be the place to get a rubber one. But all the junk yards here are totally picked over. Can it be purchased new? Where?
Also, as a side note, years and years ago I had like 71 Econoline, and it too had loose steering. Adjusting the steering box would tighten it up for a couple of months, and then I'd have to do it again and again. Seems kind of an unhealthy thing to have kept doing now that I look back at it.
I was told the first step would be getting rid of the canvas (rag?) steering column joint. They said a junk yard would be the place to get a rubber one. But all the junk yards here are totally picked over. Can it be purchased new? Where?
Also, as a side note, years and years ago I had like 71 Econoline, and it too had loose steering. Adjusting the steering box would tighten it up for a couple of months, and then I'd have to do it again and again. Seems kind of an unhealthy thing to have kept doing now that I look back at it.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ebbtide
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
15
Sep 12, 2010 11:42 PM
IDIDieselJohn
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
8
Jul 14, 2009 05:47 PM
spshauling
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Nov 26, 2008 05:27 PM