Steering hard to turn
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 76
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From: Lake City, FL
Steering hard to turn
I have a 99 F350 Lariat 4x4 Dually.
I was recently in an accident. A kid pulled out in front of me. My truck was repaired but I have notice one thing wrong. When I press the brakes it's very hard to turn the wheel. They replaced the steering box and joints. Could there be air in it? or what could cause this?
I was recently in an accident. A kid pulled out in front of me. My truck was repaired but I have notice one thing wrong. When I press the brakes it's very hard to turn the wheel. They replaced the steering box and joints. Could there be air in it? or what could cause this?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 320
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From: Roanoke, VA
Mark original position of stud on top of steering box then use an 5/8" box end wrench to loosen locknut and allen wrench to turn stud counter clockwise. When locknut is retightened you want the stud to have moved 1/4 turn from original position. Test drive and if no improvement return stud to original position.
To check ball joints put both ends of front axle on jack stands and remove wheels. Disconnect tie rods from both spindles. Move each spindle through it's entire arc noting smoothness and amount of effort required to move the spindle. If it feels right reassemble (first time doing this huh, how do you know what feels right). If it feels too rough and tight post again and we will reason if you want to re-torque and/or replace the ball joints or get the installing shop to check their work.
To check ball joints put both ends of front axle on jack stands and remove wheels. Disconnect tie rods from both spindles. Move each spindle through it's entire arc noting smoothness and amount of effort required to move the spindle. If it feels right reassemble (first time doing this huh, how do you know what feels right). If it feels too rough and tight post again and we will reason if you want to re-torque and/or replace the ball joints or get the installing shop to check their work.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke, VA
If you have a hydro-boost system then the problem may lie in that area. I do not know your mechanical ability or shop and tools to do this work. What does the repair shop have to say about their work? If you used the insurance companies approved shop they are suppose to guarantee the work.
If you are only experiencing hard steering sitting still with the brakes applied then this is somewhat normal. If you are moving in say a parking lot under the same conditions then there may very well be air in the hydraulic system that needs to be purged. I would let the shop take care of it in case the system is damaged from improper installation. Did they do a post repair test drive? I am sure they would not want to lose their approved status so talk with the insurance company after giving the shop a chance to remedy their diagnostic/repair work. Take care.
If you are only experiencing hard steering sitting still with the brakes applied then this is somewhat normal. If you are moving in say a parking lot under the same conditions then there may very well be air in the hydraulic system that needs to be purged. I would let the shop take care of it in case the system is damaged from improper installation. Did they do a post repair test drive? I am sure they would not want to lose their approved status so talk with the insurance company after giving the shop a chance to remedy their diagnostic/repair work. Take care.
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