Insane steering issues
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Insane steering issues
While driving the e99 with the 5ver on the back to the beach and back (500 miles each way). On the return trip the steering got extremely swirly, but I made it home. Got under the truck and found that the drag link can be twisted about 30° on both ends. everything else seems to be good and tight. Question is what is the best brand to use to replace this? Where is the best place to get it. And then will I need to get an alignment since I will not be touching the tie rod?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore
I'm currently battling a similar situation. I haven't replaced my drag link yet, but from what I can tell, Moog is a pretty reliable source for a quality replacement part. If one is careful, you can probably get close to the correct alignment, but it seems like the general consensus is to get an alignment after any front-end/steering work.
I'd also recommend checking your ball joints and -- if you have 4 wheel-drive -- the U-joints on the front axles. I also have a loose drag link but I believe that my "insane steering" issues are mostly due to a dry and seizing U-joint on the front axle.
I'd also recommend checking your ball joints and -- if you have 4 wheel-drive -- the U-joints on the front axles. I also have a loose drag link but I believe that my "insane steering" issues are mostly due to a dry and seizing U-joint on the front axle.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
How do you check the u-joints? I checked the ball joints and other front end parts by jacking truck up and using 2 pieces of wood and a friend to jump up and down on it. Everything moved in unison and the only loose part was the drag link. Both ends are extremely loose and my steering wheel has about a 10 to 2 slop.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore
I'm not exactly an expert so hopefully others will chime in.
I checked the U-joints by jacking the front end of the truck, locking the hubs, and spinning the wheels. Try turning the steering wheel through the steering range while rotating the front wheels. You'll look for any stiffness or binding in the rotating front wheels, strange noises, etc.
The tolerances on the ball joints are precise. By the time you can see obvious up and down movement in the knuckle, the ball joints will be shot. I felt a small amount of play when I tested mine using a similar method to what you described. I could only feel the play with my fingers in the space between the axle yoke and the knuckle at the ball joints.
I checked the U-joints by jacking the front end of the truck, locking the hubs, and spinning the wheels. Try turning the steering wheel through the steering range while rotating the front wheels. You'll look for any stiffness or binding in the rotating front wheels, strange noises, etc.
The tolerances on the ball joints are precise. By the time you can see obvious up and down movement in the knuckle, the ball joints will be shot. I felt a small amount of play when I tested mine using a similar method to what you described. I could only feel the play with my fingers in the space between the axle yoke and the knuckle at the ball joints.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 335
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, Texas
That's what I was thinking. So, the twist is fine, but I shouldn't be able to move it right & left by hand, correct?
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 5
If you put front axle on stands & grab both tires & push in & out you should see no play.you can also push straight up & down on joint to check for play,it has a spring internally,when your beyond its service life the spring cant keep it snug.also you can take it to Les Schwabs & get a free front end inspection & request the alighnment person to show you the condition while paying attention to his test procedure
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mjacobs69
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
9
Aug 11, 2006 04:20 PM