Problems with memory steer, '95, 4wd
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
Likes: 47
From: Mexico, Missouri
Problems with memory steer, '95, 4wd
Hey guys and gals, got a question concerning a steering problem with my '95, 4wd, 302, Ext. Cab Eddie Bauer. 251,000 miles.
It's regarding memory steer. I've changed tie rods, drag links, shocks, springs, had major alignment work done.
Problem is, that the memory steer is wearing me out. I tried adjusting the sector shaft and that it helped a little. And I didn't want to do that...but that's besides the point....
The truck has unknown ball joints. They aren't bad or I would have changed them before the alignment work. My question is whether or not they ARE bad and maybe binding? I'm gonna assume 10 years they have been on there or within 10 years. They are greasable.
Is there a definitive way to check them or an answer for " Yes, this is due to ball joints binding".
It's only 2 things left for this problem. Steering box or binding ball joints.
If the weather holds out for the weekend, I plan on putting new ones in if that's the problem. I just want to get them ordered quickly from RockAuto.
Thanks again!
It's regarding memory steer. I've changed tie rods, drag links, shocks, springs, had major alignment work done.
Problem is, that the memory steer is wearing me out. I tried adjusting the sector shaft and that it helped a little. And I didn't want to do that...but that's besides the point....
The truck has unknown ball joints. They aren't bad or I would have changed them before the alignment work. My question is whether or not they ARE bad and maybe binding? I'm gonna assume 10 years they have been on there or within 10 years. They are greasable.
Is there a definitive way to check them or an answer for " Yes, this is due to ball joints binding".
It's only 2 things left for this problem. Steering box or binding ball joints.
If the weather holds out for the weekend, I plan on putting new ones in if that's the problem. I just want to get them ordered quickly from RockAuto.
Thanks again!
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 199
Likes: 9
Jack the truck up and disconnect the tie rod and see how hard it is to turn the wheel by hand. Shouldn't be very hard.
Don't forget to check the ujoints in the axle shafts for bind, they can cause steering issue too.
Don't forget to check the ujoints in the axle shafts for bind, they can cause steering issue too.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
Likes: 47
From: Mexico, Missouri
If the rain holds out long enough tomorrow, I might be able to knock the tie rods out and check.
U-joints in the knuckle are good. Can't find any problem with them.
So if I understand correctly, if the steering is stiff to turn without the tie rods, then the ball joints are binding?.
It wouldn't surprise me with Po's installing something and disregarding instructions...
U-joints in the knuckle are good. Can't find any problem with them.
So if I understand correctly, if the steering is stiff to turn without the tie rods, then the ball joints are binding?.
It wouldn't surprise me with Po's installing something and disregarding instructions...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Chillicothe
So you had the spindle off and pulled the shafts out to check the u joints? You can also jack one side up, lock the hub turn the wheels full left or right and spin the tire. If the ujoint is bad it will eventually bind and make the tire difficult to turn. Lower it down and repeat on the other side. I'd start here, because it is the simplest to do. And it is exactly what caused my memory steer.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 2,446
My steering wouldn't return to center. I disconnected the tie rod end and tried to turn the wheel. I could barely move it- even kicking the wheel it wouldn't move. I should have done both sides because I only did the passenger side. The following year I ended up doing the driver's side.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Mexico, Missouri
Ok....
I disconnected both tie rod ends and held them up with rope.
When trying to turn the steering knuckle, it's takes A LOT of force/energy to move the knuckle side to side.
Turning the steering wheel is better, but tighter, and I Assume it's because I adjusted, tightened the sector shaft screw.
Does this point to binding ball joints?
I disconnected both tie rod ends and held them up with rope.
When trying to turn the steering knuckle, it's takes A LOT of force/energy to move the knuckle side to side.
Turning the steering wheel is better, but tighter, and I Assume it's because I adjusted, tightened the sector shaft screw.
Does this point to binding ball joints?
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 294
From: Laramie, WY
It doesn't isolate the u joints from the ball joints. One thing you could try, lock hubs in and drive tight circles in a dirt lot. If things improve, you know the u joints were bound up. Worked for me, and the joints had rust dust coming out of the caps after that. Unless the ball joints were torqued incorrectly, they tend to get loose over time and not tight. As noted above, trying to rotate the tires with front end in the air with hubs locked is another good test for the u joints.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Mexico, Missouri
It doesn't isolate the u joints from the ball joints. One thing you could try, lock hubs in and drive tight circles in a dirt lot. If things improve, you know the u joints were bound up. Worked for me, and the joints had rust dust coming out of the caps after that. Unless the ball joints were torqued incorrectly, they tend to get loose over time and not tight. As noted above, trying to rotate the tires with front end in the air with hubs locked is another good test for the u joints.
The steering knuckle itself is taking nearly all I have to turn them side to side. I'm pretty stout and I don't remember ball joints being so tight in the knuckle that I have to bear them to rotate...
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Mexico, Missouri
Here's some more info...
I started working on the passenger side knuckle, using lots of PB Blaster and a flat head to clean grease and debris from the the BOTTOM ball joint boot. Started shooting some grease in and the knuckle is started to slowly ease back and forth. It's WAY better than the driver side, at the moment. I'm about to repeat the same thing to the driver side.
No idea when the u joints were done. They move freely and effortlessly. I've done theon my other trucks and these seem to be good.
I did notice turning the steering wheel, it's tight in center. But, in other directions, it spins smooth! So...steering box perhaps?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Mexico, Missouri
So a little more info..
I found the jam nut for the bottom driver side ball joint loose. No need to force much, and it came loose, easy....
As I was loosening the adjustable camber bushing, the knuckle became a lot easier to turn and without the bushing, it's super easy.
I'm wondering if the adjustable camber bushing is at fault. As it sits, I'm close to pulling the steering box and installing new ball joints so I can have a fresh start at this.
I found the jam nut for the bottom driver side ball joint loose. No need to force much, and it came loose, easy....
As I was loosening the adjustable camber bushing, the knuckle became a lot easier to turn and without the bushing, it's super easy.
I'm wondering if the adjustable camber bushing is at fault. As it sits, I'm close to pulling the steering box and installing new ball joints so I can have a fresh start at this.
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