has any one here had any problems with there steering column? i have a 97EB and the ford dealer tells me i need a new bearing and cupler to the toon of 500.00 is this normal or am i getting the shaft? thanks for any help you can provide..

 

wife has a 97 xlt with 96k on it, we are planning a trip in two weeks, she asked our local Ford dealer and they said they would check it when she bring it in next week, also said if it needed and parts replaced, it wouldn't cost since it is a recall.

 

where did you find the recall info?can you e-mail me a copy..

 

Recall # 03S02. It is for certain (build date/location) '97s to check for incorrect installation of the yoke at the gear box. Mine was NOT on the list but the yoke would slide in & out at the gear box spline 1/4 to 3/8" and the long shaft through the fire wall had lots of movement in it in all directions like a bad bearing. The thing was, I could find no bearing. The extendable shaft goes straingt through the firewall (rubber widget on it at the firewall but only attached to the shaft) to another yoke connection eventually going to the steering wheel. The wheel to yoke shaft was solid.
Took the beast to Ford with the recall notice printed from NHTSA.com. They jumped underneath, said wow, pulled the bolt from the yoke at the box, and put it in the correct way. Can you believe, not a wrench scratch on it and it was in through the threaded portion of the clamp first then onto the unthreaded hole in the other end of the clamp. Maybe that is what the recall meant (no detailed discription at the NHTSA) by incorrect installation.
Short story (not like above), no slop, no end play, no charge, no complaints. Maybe my twitchy roller will be more stable on the highway. Can't wait to check...

Hope yours it this...

 

well i just got my rig back.. ford said the recall did not apply.. but $700 dollars later i can spin the wheel with one finger and ther is definatly no play.. i bump the wheel and ive changed lanes.. ford said they did a complete overhaul new bearings, cuplers, and misc.. heck for that kinda money i should have a gold steering column.. i feel like ive been taken to the cleaners but what can i do? anyways thanks for the info. i do appriciate it..

 

For $700 I'd be clean too. I'll try to remember to let you know what Ford tells my dealer about my beast. I still have a littly play in the column if I shake it from under the hood and would love new parts although it is now smooth driving.