My 95 Bronco developed a new quirk on Friday. It used to be when I took a turn, as I came out of the turn the truck would return to straight on its own. Now, after turning, doesn't matter whether to right or left, I have to bring the steering wheel back to center manually and it feels tight. It will still want to turn to the side I was turning to even after its going straight. Once I turn in the opposite direction, it will want to stay turning that way. I checked the steering fluid, added just a little but it seemed fine. I lubed the tie rods but couldn't lube the center zerk by the pitman arm because my grease gun couldn't maneuver in there and I didn't have time to go out and get the flexible nozzle for it. Any suggestions? Things I am currently watching out for are my balljoints, since last time I went to the mechanic he said the drivers balljoints were going bad. (as a side note, why the hell are the balljoints on the drivers side greasable, but not the ones on the passenger side? do I have two different sets on there right now?) Also, my bronco's been riding like a tank lately. I have owned her for three and a half years, so the shocks are looking pretty bad, she has 133,000 miles on her, too. Brakes were done three months ago, pads and rotors. Other than that, she has the typical drivetrain clunk which I'm looking to try and tackle this summer. Any suggestions as to why she pulls to each side after a turn? Other than that she's fine, no weird noises from the front, still tracks pretty straight on the highway as long as I didn't turn first.

 

The ball joints w/o the zerks are probably the stock ones. Aftermarket ball joints come with the zerks (at least this has been my experiences.) Get a friend to turn the steering wheel while you watch all the steering components for any play. Your ball joints probably are needing changing--if you do it yourself-Have fun!!

Brian

 

If it is the ball joints, could I possibly make it to August on them? I noticed there's some squeaking over bumps now, too. If I can make it to August the repairs will be covered through school loans, if not, I have to somehow come up with the dough myself (which will be very tough). Also, what would it cost to have all four balljoints replaced?

 

You can probably tough it out until August but the squeaking will only get worse--much worse. The ball joints are going to run you between $50-$140 bucks depending on which ones you get. Your probably looking at about $200+ for labor. While you or whoever else is in there it would be VERY wise to change your axle u-joints b/c your going to be right there anyways.

Good luck,
Brian

 

Is there anything I should keep a close eye on while I'm trying to tough it out? Should I try to drive as little as possible? Basically, I don't want my desire to wait until August to cause me to get in a wreck or have a tire fall off the truck.