Loose steering........any ideas?
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2001
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Loose steering........any ideas?
I have a '95 F150 4x4 w/102,000 miles. I just got new tires put on today and an alignment. Note on the reciept said "Loose steering, tightened as much as possible." Well, it's alot looser now than it seemed w/my old tires, but then, they had gotten out of alignment so maybe that hid it somewhat. I can move the steering wheel left/right a couple inches before the wheels turn. Any ideas what needs replacing? And how hard are they to replace, meaning can I do it then have it aligned again, or do I need to take it to a shop that works on front ends/alignment? I've never worked on steering components really, so just trying to get an idea. It's not too bad that I can't live with, and I'll probably get used to it, but kind of an eerie feeling when I was driving home. Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Florida
Loose steering........any ideas?
I'm pretty sure you're looking for a new steering box. They are not too expensive from aftermarket retail stores. I'm ruling out something else loose as you just had an alignment - they should have seen something if it was loose. Mine had quite a bit of play after 150K or so and I had heard that you could maybe adjust these but then it started leaking so I simply went to have it replaced. I do many of my own improvements and repairs but on steering/control items I let the pros do it. Box was about $140 and my local guy charged $65 to put it in and re-center the steering wheel.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,172
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Loose steering........any ideas?
Providing all the steering parts are in good shape & dont need replacing then the steering box can be adjusted . The Sector Shaft has a locknut & adjusting nut . When adjusting its best to turn the adjusting nut no more than a half a turn , lock it down & drive the truck to see how it handles . You need some play otherwise the handling characteristics can become hazardous . It really depends on the condition of the steering parts , tires etc as to how much the sterring box needs adjusting . It may take an hr or so of adjusting & driving to get it to the point where the excessive play is reduced .
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Freshman User
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Loose steering........any ideas?
Thanks yall. I'm gonna take it to a mechanic I know and trust who is a mechanic at a ford dealer by day and side work at night. He's real good with transmissions, so I figured I'd at least let him take a look and give me his best guess, though I know a front end shop would be better. I figured he'd look at it for free, and may see something that I didn't or whatever, something he can adjust, and I know he is honest and would tell me he don't know, take it to a front end place. Thanks for the replies.
