Steering problem, pls help if you know the answer.
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Western Caribbean.
Steering problem, pls help if you know the answer.
Hi guys, wish I was more knowledgeable and able to answer questions as often as I ask them, but I'm afraid I'm not. 
OK, tried driving to pick up my kids today and the truck would barely turn right. I got her quickly home and searched all the threads and have just done a PS flush, thanks to you guys previous posts and the youtube videos. Anyway, still having the problem and just got my kids to steer lock to lock while the truck was jacked up and noticed a ding in the steering stabilizer. It is starting to look like the stabilizer is restricting the truck turning right due to this ding so I'm wondering if it is safe to remove it for a couple of weeks while I order a new one? I am pretty sure the old 99.5, 2WD didn't have one at all but is there any adverse effect to not having one on a 4WD? I really need the truck for work in the morning, so thanks as always for any and all help.
OK, tried driving to pick up my kids today and the truck would barely turn right. I got her quickly home and searched all the threads and have just done a PS flush, thanks to you guys previous posts and the youtube videos. Anyway, still having the problem and just got my kids to steer lock to lock while the truck was jacked up and noticed a ding in the steering stabilizer. It is starting to look like the stabilizer is restricting the truck turning right due to this ding so I'm wondering if it is safe to remove it for a couple of weeks while I order a new one? I am pretty sure the old 99.5, 2WD didn't have one at all but is there any adverse effect to not having one on a 4WD? I really need the truck for work in the morning, so thanks as always for any and all help.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Western Caribbean.
OK thanks guys. I just took a pic and am now almost convinced this is the problem. Is there a well liked replacement for this part? I have Bilsteins to replace the fronts and had them on my older truck also. Is the Bilstein a good replacement for the steering stab?
OK, def found the problem, my ******* neighbor rolled some stumps into the driveway, didn't even know I'd hit one. Here is the stab now.
Thanks Gary and Matt.
It was good motivation for a much needed SF flush anyways.
OK, def found the problem, my ******* neighbor rolled some stumps into the driveway, didn't even know I'd hit one. Here is the stab now.
Thanks Gary and Matt.
It was good motivation for a much needed SF flush anyways.
Last edited by pwstroker69; Aug 21, 2014 at 05:18 PM. Reason: added pic/ link
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 979
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver
The Ford power steering system has weak output pressure and flow. The good side of this is that when something is damaged you cannot tear up the whole front end fighting against the stabilizer. Good catch finding the problem.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 511
Likes: 2
So is it safe to say if you have a periodic "tug of war" issue going on in the steering (having to correct back and forth for what feels like a steering pull) the issue is probably in the stabilizer or the steering box? My box appears to be stock. Thinking about just biting the bullet and ordering a Redhead.
I talked to a tech at my dealer and said it sounded like steering box or stabilizer. For $55 I can get it diagnosed, but now I am thinking of just removing the stabilizer and see if the problem returns to help narrow it down.
I talked to a tech at my dealer and said it sounded like steering box or stabilizer. For $55 I can get it diagnosed, but now I am thinking of just removing the stabilizer and see if the problem returns to help narrow it down.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 655
Likes: 18
From: Randolph County NC
I would disconnect the stabilizer and give it a try. I would also have someone turn the wheel while you watch the steering linkage and pittman arm. You might jack up the front end to take the weight off of it. I have had a pittman arm strip some of the splines and had issues turning to the right.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 146
Likes: 2
From: va
Well I had the same problem, I removed the steering stabilizer and still had the problem , I talked to my ford dealer tech and told me to check the steering shaft u joint, I removed the shaft and cleaned and lubed the steering shaft and the u joint, I have not has the issue since then, it didn't cost me anything and I think fixed my problem, just a thought or a check for ya. hope this helps I also has a hard time turning right
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
I have never driven Stinky with a steering stabilizer. He tracks straight and I have no control issues (4X4) or slop in the wheel. I have the stock steering box, and all my front end hardware has been well-maintained. All this to say "If you need the steering stabilizer, you may have other issues."
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 9
From: Longview, TX
Not all of the trucks (even 4x4) have stabilizers on them. My last truck did not (2003), Tex does (2002). I'm not sure what warranted the stabilizer for certain trucks, but I don't see why you wouldn't be safe to go a few weeks (or indefinitely for that matter) without one.
I know on lifted trucks with big tires, there were issues with "death wobble" and most guys who have larger tires end up with dual stabilizers to address this.
I know on lifted trucks with big tires, there were issues with "death wobble" and most guys who have larger tires end up with dual stabilizers to address this.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 395
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From: Western Caribbean.
Rich, I think you are exactly right. I removed the stabilizer/ damper, whatever it is and have felt NO adverse effects whatsoever.
Jeff, I did get slightly bigger, new tires last week but only going from the stock 265/ 75's to 285's s again am not expecting any problems. I may just leave it off now, just wasn't sure if they were *necessary* for some reason.
Thanks again for your responses guys.
Jeff, I did get slightly bigger, new tires last week but only going from the stock 265/ 75's to 285's s again am not expecting any problems. I may just leave it off now, just wasn't sure if they were *necessary* for some reason.
Thanks again for your responses guys.
Not all of the trucks (even 4x4) have stabilizers on them. My last truck did not (2003), Tex does (2002). I'm not sure what warranted the stabilizer for certain trucks, but I don't see why you wouldn't be safe to go a few weeks (or indefinitely for that matter) without one.
I know on lifted trucks with big tires, there were issues with "death wobble" and most guys who have larger tires end up with dual stabilizers to address this.
I know on lifted trucks with big tires, there were issues with "death wobble" and most guys who have larger tires end up with dual stabilizers to address this.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 9
From: Longview, TX
Rich, I think you are exactly right. I removed the stabilizer/ damper, whatever it is and have felt NO adverse effects whatsoever.
Jeff, I did get slightly bigger, new tires last week but only going from the stock 265/ 75's to 285's s again am not expecting any problems. I may just leave it off now, just wasn't sure if they were *necessary* for some reason.
Thanks again for your responses guys.
Jeff, I did get slightly bigger, new tires last week but only going from the stock 265/ 75's to 285's s again am not expecting any problems. I may just leave it off now, just wasn't sure if they were *necessary* for some reason.
Thanks again for your responses guys.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Western Caribbean.
Cool, thanks Jeff. I don't see any problems with mine a Big Gulp and a doughnut couldn't fix now. 
That vid does remind me though, I have new front Bilstein's here for the old gurl. That might be next week's project.
That vid does remind me though, I have new front Bilstein's here for the old gurl. That might be next week's project.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 511
Likes: 2
Update on my semi-related problem. I removed the steering stabilizer last weekend, and have since driven about 200 miles on city & country roads. My periodic left-right "tug of war" issue with the steering wheel has not returned, and I don't feel any difference in the general steering of the truck. I guess I'll leave it off.
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