steering sticking/locking up
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 869
Likes: 5
From: Near Shenandoah Valley
steering sticking/locking up
'96 F-250 in signature. There is a catch to the steering and it almost locks up on me. 228,XXX and right now I believe the u joints in front axle ( manual hubs) are bad. I'm wondering if this is sign the steering box is also bad and or the column bearings? Column and steering box O.E.M. u joints have been changed once.
Doing a search seems any of the three could cause this phenomenon. is there a simple way to isolate and check?
Doing a search seems any of the three could cause this phenomenon. is there a simple way to isolate and check?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
Seized u joints can cause this, I just re did all mine. If I were you I would do everything if your going to have it apart that far. Ball joints and u joints. As far as the steering , I can't comment in that cause my box is sloppy from 360k miles. It is tolerable. Someday I'll replace that as well.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 327
Likes: 79
From: Runnells, Iowa
Time for a steering column rebuild. Just did mine, same problems your describing. I quit driving mine until I got it fixed cause I just about ditched it. I got a rebuilt one off of ebay for $200. Mine was completely shot,bad main shaft and the housing was worn where the bearings ran.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,556
Likes: 0
From: Crapy southern New Jersey
Does the steering wheel move any? up, down, left, right? Some problem I had, End up getting a parts trucks with a good column.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 869
Likes: 5
From: Near Shenandoah Valley
OK, axles out and universals SHOT! Ready to install new u joints. Steering column is sloppy up/down and side to side. I have a '93 donor truck, factory diesel, both trucks manual trans, cruise and tilt. It looks a little different, maybe just wasn't taken as good of care? Seems much tighter in all directions. I wonder will it work? Maybe it will work long enough to get parts and rebuild the original? Donor has 159,XXX, the '96 has been used for snow removal so there has been some stress on all components I'm sure.
Thanks for the comments guys. FTE is like having a couple knowledgeable neighbors to bounce stuff off, just have to catch them home.
Thanks for the comments guys. FTE is like having a couple knowledgeable neighbors to bounce stuff off, just have to catch them home.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 869
Likes: 5
From: Near Shenandoah Valley
The same body style, ('92-'97) that's why I bought it originally. Extended cab diesel, electric doors ZF5. The difference is 2 wheel vs 4 wheel and IDI vs PSD. Other than that the truck was a very pretty blue vs black on my '96.
The axle u joints are in, nice tight but not binding. The center one by the front diff looks good and not loose. Guy down the road said he changes them on truck with ball joint press tool I'm not so sure I want to attempt it.
So, the steering column in the donor seems tighter, same body style, cruise/tilt with a key in the ignition switch. Should I try it?
I guess thinking about rebuilding the steering column is that I bought the truck new and kind of sentimental with original parts.
The axle u joints are in, nice tight but not binding. The center one by the front diff looks good and not loose. Guy down the road said he changes them on truck with ball joint press tool I'm not so sure I want to attempt it.
So, the steering column in the donor seems tighter, same body style, cruise/tilt with a key in the ignition switch. Should I try it?
I guess thinking about rebuilding the steering column is that I bought the truck new and kind of sentimental with original parts.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,556
Likes: 0
From: Crapy southern New Jersey
The same body style, ('92-'97) that's why I bought it originally. Extended cab diesel, electric doors ZF5. The difference is 2 wheel vs 4 wheel and IDI vs PSD. Other than that the truck was a very pretty blue vs black on my '96.
The axle u joints are in, nice tight but not binding. The center one by the front diff looks good and not loose. Guy down the road said he changes them on truck with ball joint press tool I'm not so sure I want to attempt it.
So, the steering column in the donor seems tighter, same body style, cruise/tilt with a key in the ignition switch. Should I try it?
I guess thinking about rebuilding the steering column is that I bought the truck new and kind of sentimental with original parts.
The axle u joints are in, nice tight but not binding. The center one by the front diff looks good and not loose. Guy down the road said he changes them on truck with ball joint press tool I'm not so sure I want to attempt it.
So, the steering column in the donor seems tighter, same body style, cruise/tilt with a key in the ignition switch. Should I try it?
I guess thinking about rebuilding the steering column is that I bought the truck new and kind of sentimental with original parts.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 869
Likes: 5
From: Near Shenandoah Valley
Yes in deedy, the front axle is tight and quiet, the steering column changed and it's like having a new truck! It was that bad, hope this one lasts a few years. I'll check into that Crown Vic just to see if it is the same for future ref.
Thanks guys for your help.
Thanks guys for your help.
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