Is this necessary?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 169
Likes: 27
From: Pensacola/Molino
Is this necessary?
Just got the truck from getting the TSB for the death wobble and when I got underneath the truck I noticed that it was missing this I don’t know what the name is but it’s looks like some sort of support for the drag link to replace that and the rod ends and the dampener the service advisor told me that that’s the part that is installed when the vehicle is being manufactured and when the dealers do a alignment They really don’t install that back I just want to make sure that if it’s not required like they say or if it’s required so I go back and tell them to install it but you guys know how dealers are thank you
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 559
Likes: 4
When i got my 2017 f250 alignment done they also removed it since it no longer was in between like the first pic so it wasnt doing anything except just bolted on the bar. That piece only goes on one way since there is a notch on the bar.. but when you do a steering alignement that piece is not going to line up.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 434
Likes: 18
From: Phoenix Area
I would make them fix it correctly. That piece functions like a lock and prevents coupling from twisting and knocking things out of wack. Why would ford engineers (who try and save as much money as possible by cheaping out on things like rust proofing) spend un necessary money on a part that is not needed?
The tech in my opinion was either lazy and didnt feel like re-installing it or lost it and just said oh well. The service writers lame excuse of it being un-necessary is just that a lame excuse. FYI, I was an ASE certified tech at one point and I would be embarrassed to half assemble so thing and Return it to a customer with my name on it.
The tech in my opinion was either lazy and didnt feel like re-installing it or lost it and just said oh well. The service writers lame excuse of it being un-necessary is just that a lame excuse. FYI, I was an ASE certified tech at one point and I would be embarrassed to half assemble so thing and Return it to a customer with my name on it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 787
Likes: 72
From: Lansing MI
As was said above, it keeps the adjuster from walking, one way or the other. It should have a slot that goes over the bolt on the adjuster, so it can still be attached regardless of where the adjuster lines up.
Without it, all you have is friction to to keep the adjuster from walking, and that is friction on a component that is designed to be moved. Safety issue, you bet. While it is unlikely, that it would vibrate, and walk all the way off, consider what you would be faced with if it did... ZERO control over the vehicle, that drag link connects the wheels to the steering box.
Without it, all you have is friction to to keep the adjuster from walking, and that is friction on a component that is designed to be moved. Safety issue, you bet. While it is unlikely, that it would vibrate, and walk all the way off, consider what you would be faced with if it did... ZERO control over the vehicle, that drag link connects the wheels to the steering box.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 477
Likes: 3
When i got my 2017 f250 alignment done they also removed it since it no longer was in between like the first pic so it wasnt doing anything except just bolted on the bar. That piece only goes on one way since there is a notch on the bar.. but when you do a steering alignement that piece is not going to line up.
Sam
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 477
Likes: 3
As was said above, it keeps the adjuster from walking, one way or the other. It should have a slot that goes over the bolt on the adjuster, so it can still be attached regardless of where the adjuster lines up.
Without it, all you have is friction to to keep the adjuster from walking, and that is friction on a component that is designed to be moved. Safety issue, you bet. While it is unlikely, that it would vibrate, and walk all the way off, consider what you would be faced with if it did... ZERO control over the vehicle, that drag link connects the wheels to the steering box.
Without it, all you have is friction to to keep the adjuster from walking, and that is friction on a component that is designed to be moved. Safety issue, you bet. While it is unlikely, that it would vibrate, and walk all the way off, consider what you would be faced with if it did... ZERO control over the vehicle, that drag link connects the wheels to the steering box.
Sam
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 156
Likes: 5
From: Jacksonville
The adjuster has lock clamps on it. Most vehicles don't have the lock tab like the new SD has. Earlier SDs did not have this tab. While yes, it would prevent the tube from backing off, you would recognize it way before it ever did. Your steering wheel would start to move off center and you would definitely see it.
Sam
Sam
.... yes that coupler tube would have to unscrew itself probably 12+ full turns before the drag link came apart. Very unlikely that this would happen in short period of time where one didn't think to themselves "Why is my steering wheel upside down??? Huhhmmm...."
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 543
Likes: 33
From: Extreme NW Ohio
Over the road semi trucks run millions of miles without anything like that. The 2 pinch bolts on the adjustment sleeve lock it in place. It's an unnecessary part. Don't sweat the small stuff.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 84
From: Rainier OR
It is NOT to keep it from moving, it is to keep the adjuster in proper orientation so that it doesn't interfere with other components at different turns and spring compression. It is true, you might not be able to get the steering wheel perfectly aligned with it on (there is a trick to get it closer though). but it is there for a reason
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,516
Likes: 198
It is NOT to keep it from moving, it is to keep the adjuster in proper orientation so that it doesn't interfere with other components at different turns and spring compression. It is true, you might not be able to get the steering wheel perfectly aligned with it on (there is a trick to get it closer though). but it is there for a reason
And, notice the 'tech' DIDN'T orientate the clamps in the right position. Probably why he threw it out. It doesn't really need to be there, but the clamps on the adjuster sleeve need to be in the right position.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 652
Likes: 5
From: Katy Texas
This ^ ...... he was half *** . There is literally no reason to not orientate the clamps back down and re install the safety bar. Takes a whopping minute. I look at it that if he didnt handle that remedial task professionally, what else did he not do that he should have..... I'm meticulous and by the book with everything i do though..... if you want it fixed and the service writer gives you any grief, just politely tell him you are dissatisfied with the quality of their work and you feel asthough you are going to have to make mention of this situation on the CSI ford is going to send you. They gone fix it reeeeal quick. And when all else fails just tell him your not cool with making payments for the next five years on a peice of your truck that his tech threw in the trash can! LOL