Loose Steering???
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 80
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From: Maryland
Loose Steering???
I have changed the front sway bar links & Steering Damper & I have gotten an alignment.
What else could be the problem?? this is at 20-50 or so, the steering wheel feels like I'm oversteering the truck.
What else could be wrong?
What else could be the problem?? this is at 20-50 or so, the steering wheel feels like I'm oversteering the truck.
What else could be wrong?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
it "could" be anything that moves
steering shaft joint
steering gear
track bar
drag link
tie rod
ball joint
unit bearing
leaf spring bushings
tire pressure
it could also be something that isn't supposed to move but has either broken or worked lose.
leaf spring center pin
leaf spring bolts
shackle bolts
ect
the point being, you or somebody has to crawl under, over and inside the the vehicle and check everything in the system and bring it back into spec.
in reality it probably not just one thing but an accumulation of worn parts all contributing to the feeling.
steering shaft joint
steering gear
track bar
drag link
tie rod
ball joint
unit bearing
leaf spring bushings
tire pressure
it could also be something that isn't supposed to move but has either broken or worked lose.
leaf spring center pin
leaf spring bolts
shackle bolts
ect
the point being, you or somebody has to crawl under, over and inside the the vehicle and check everything in the system and bring it back into spec.
in reality it probably not just one thing but an accumulation of worn parts all contributing to the feeling.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Is there play in the steering wheel?
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Oh god.
I forgot to mention I did replace the Ball Joints/Hub Bearings & Tire Pressure is great, also tie rods..., but these other options scare me.
Finally got the truck from the body shop and realized something is not right with steering.
Wheel just feels too loose, my brother who has a 01 Ex said it's normal I drove his, and it felt somewhat the same but mine just has a lot more play.
I forgot to mention I did replace the Ball Joints/Hub Bearings & Tire Pressure is great, also tie rods..., but these other options scare me.
Finally got the truck from the body shop and realized something is not right with steering.
Wheel just feels too loose, my brother who has a 01 Ex said it's normal I drove his, and it felt somewhat the same but mine just has a lot more play.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Sorry , didn't mean to scare you. I just listed the possibilities. It is unlikely all of those are the issue. Maybe just one or 2 
Steering gear and ball joints are the usual suspects, but the steering shaft can sneak in there as well.
Check what you can but sometimes having a specialist doing the inspection can be beneficial. You could always have a shop do the inspection and DIY the repairs if that is in your wheel house.
Steering gear and ball joints are the usual suspects, but the steering shaft can sneak in there as well.
Check what you can but sometimes having a specialist doing the inspection can be beneficial. You could always have a shop do the inspection and DIY the repairs if that is in your wheel house.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Pretty basic stuff for any mechanic, but I only use dealer...
Steering gear would be my guess if all else feels tight.
Alignment may be off also and give you that light feel.
Steering gear would be my guess if all else feels tight.
Alignment may be off also and give you that light feel.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Are you suggesting the mechanics at dealers are irregular ? LOL
By specialist I meant a shop that does alignment, suspension and steering aka a tire shop. But any mechanic who is familiar with the specs, has the equipment and knows the systems should be capable of the task.
Personally I prefer independant shops for my vehicles that are out of warranty but that is a whole other conversation.
By specialist I meant a shop that does alignment, suspension and steering aka a tire shop. But any mechanic who is familiar with the specs, has the equipment and knows the systems should be capable of the task.
Personally I prefer independant shops for my vehicles that are out of warranty but that is a whole other conversation.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2014
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I have the same problem! i have replaced everything mentioned above and it still doesnt fell 100% though it is much much better that my wife can drive it now. My next step is to change the steering box cause that is last thing i havent changed and should do the trick! I only have 125k on the truck but where i was driving it roads were terrible.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 0
From: Dustbowl, NV
Just as a quick and easy trial, you could adjust your steering box. Mark the box where you start, and work your way clockwise in 1/4 turn increments, driving it to test after each adjustment. If it doesn't change your symptoms, you can return the adjustment to stock.
It's something you can do in your driveway in about 5 minutes for free! (not including testing time).
It's something you can do in your driveway in about 5 minutes for free! (not including testing time).
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Are you suggesting the mechanics at dealers are irregular ? LOL
By specialist I meant a shop that does alignment, suspension and steering aka a tire shop. But any mechanic who is familiar with the specs, has the equipment and knows the systems should be capable of the task.
Personally I prefer independant shops for my vehicles that are out of warranty but that is a whole other conversation.
By specialist I meant a shop that does alignment, suspension and steering aka a tire shop. But any mechanic who is familiar with the specs, has the equipment and knows the systems should be capable of the task.
Personally I prefer independant shops for my vehicles that are out of warranty but that is a whole other conversation.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Ok the NTB that did the alignment may have to be revisited to see if they can see whats wrong.
I wouldn't dare let anyone else drive it until it's fixed.
The steering is just not what I'm used to, especially coming from my Suburban...
but I will take it to NTB and have them see what could be wrong.
I wouldn't dare let anyone else drive it until it's fixed.
The steering is just not what I'm used to, especially coming from my Suburban...
but I will take it to NTB and have them see what could be wrong.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
I hate to say this and don't let it discourage you.
Your EX will never have the feel of a suburban because the sub uses a superior Saginaw steering gear. Your EX when in spec will be decent but not the same feel as a Saginaw setup. Somewhere on my list of mods is to swap to a Saginaw gear and sweet pump but those are very involved mods well beyond what most people would consider reasonable.
Ford has never been know for having great steering and when things get worn out it can become frightful, Your best bet is to stay on top of the maintaintence.
Your EX will never have the feel of a suburban because the sub uses a superior Saginaw steering gear. Your EX when in spec will be decent but not the same feel as a Saginaw setup. Somewhere on my list of mods is to swap to a Saginaw gear and sweet pump but those are very involved mods well beyond what most people would consider reasonable.
Ford has never been know for having great steering and when things get worn out it can become frightful, Your best bet is to stay on top of the maintaintence.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 80
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From: Maryland
I totally understand, yet my brothers 01 feels alot more stable than my 02. I just want to make sure this big pretty machine is safe at all times, I hate feeling like I'm about to swerve into another car just because the steering is off.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
i think we all have been there and understand, white knuckling a 5 ton beast down the road with sloppy steering is not exactly a leisurely experience. but with a bit of determination you can get it sorted out.