Ford steering 'loose'

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Aug 24, 2003 | 01:15 PM

tab2

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Ford steering 'loose'

I have a '79 f150 2wd that failed inspection for loose steering( and a few other things, heh). There isn't any play in the steering, not much anyway, but when it's on a lift you can get quite a bit of movement at the wheels cause the steering wheel turns with them. Is there a way to tighten this up a bit so the steering wheel won't turn as easily?

Aug 24, 2003 | 01:59 PM

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Ford steering 'loose'

I was thinking that since the steering system is power 'assisted' that its going to do this when on the lift, thought someone might confirm.

Aug 24, 2003 | 05:14 PM

Ecuri

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From: Houston/Hope BC

Ford steering 'loose'

There is really not enough information to tell what the problem is. You should look for play between all the segments from the road to your hands.
1. wheel bearings
2. tie rod ends
3. drag link ends
4. pittman arm
5. steering gearbox (gear lash/shaft failures)
6. steering coupler
7. steering wheel to shaft

GL

Aug 24, 2003 | 05:47 PM

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Ford steering 'loose'

I can't find any play anywhere, as I said when its on the ground, there is no noticeable play in the steering. It's just with the front end off the ground, the steering wheel moves when checking wheel rock, i'm wondering if this is normal for this type of steering. Looks as though it could use new shocks and radius arm bushings, but it still drives fine.

Aug 24, 2003 | 08:21 PM

76supercab2

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Ford steering 'loose'

Sounds like you need a new mechanic. If the steering wheel moves when you move the wheels that sounds good to me. Have someone sit in the truck and hold the wheel while he checks for slop. This really doesn't sound like a truck problem to me.

Aug 24, 2003 | 09:04 PM

FordBoypete

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From: East Central Florida

Ford steering 'loose'

It sounds like you say truck is on contact lift, wheels & suspension hanging down in full extension, against stops. Then somebody checks your steering & says you have excess play. Did I get that right?

If answer is yes, then I agree w/ 76supercab2 100% you most definitely have symptoms of a bad mechanic. Steering can not be checked when suspension is hanging in air. Everything in steering geometry is all out of position! That "test" will demonstrate it's all connected together, nothing else. It's ridiculous. . . .

Look it up in FoMoCo Service & repair manual for your truck. I mean OEM, Factory, one. Make inspector do it way manual says, not his way, or way he says agency says to, or some other cockamamee scheme.

Aug 24, 2003 | 09:07 PM

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Ford steering 'loose'

Yea, this was an inspection station and I don't think you need to be a mechanic to work at one. No biggie, we have 45 days in nj for reinspection, so I'll just fix the headlight and maybe try my luck at another one. Thanks