Loose Steering
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Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Loose Steering
Hi all, I started noticing a problem with my steering on my 2000 Excursion, a couple of days ago. when I make left or right turn, the wheels seem to want to continue in the direction of the turn even as I am straightening up the steering wheel. I have to over compensate on the steering wheel to straighten the wheels it seems. It does it when I make a left or right turn, but seems to be worse when turning left. Also I noticed that if I'm driving on pavement that has ruts from heavy traffic, the front end seems to pull to one side then the other.
I've had the truck for 7 years and this is the first time this has happened to it. Is it an alignment problem or is there something else that I need to consider? I jacked it up today to check the tie rods and drag link, everything seemed ok
Thanks,
George
I've had the truck for 7 years and this is the first time this has happened to it. Is it an alignment problem or is there something else that I need to consider? I jacked it up today to check the tie rods and drag link, everything seemed ok
Thanks,
George
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 120
From: Mcdonough, GA
Time to get the front end off the ground and find out what is loose. Ball joints and hubs as mentioned. Tie rod ends, pitman arm, and gearbox are all suspect as well. With it locking into the turn and not returning gearbox is my first thought.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,666
Likes: 365
From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
It is very common for these heavy rigs to get free play in the steering gearbox. A lot of guys replace the gear box, me, I adjusted my gear box and have been fine ever since. No more wander.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,910
Likes: 2
From: Hat Creek Ca
Does it feel like it is "sticking" in the turns or just loose? If it feels like it sticks on one side or the other it may be ball joints. Had a truck at work that did that so bad that nobody wanted to drive it until one of the supervisors had to. Got new ball joints as a safety item and helped a bunch but still needed more work just the same.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
No it doesn't feel like its sticking, just have to over steer to get it back on track after a turn. Sometimes it drives along fine and then other times the truck just pulls to one side or the other and you have to fight with the steering wheel. I'm going to try adjusting the steering box this morning and see if that helps.
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AllMuscle03
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May 6, 2010 02:18 PM
