Steering Issues
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
Steering Issues
04 X, 16inch 285 series, no lift 2 wd. Recent purchase and took to shop for a knocking sound from the front and prepared my self for suspension work. Ended up replacing upper and lower ball joints in both sides and said it was in almost dangerous condition. Anyway, steering feels really really tight. Unsure as to the wander many talk about but this thing is kinda difficult to drive. You have to spend more time thinking bout holding on to the steering wheel. Drove way better before. Almost car like in ease of turning and overall driving. Noticed squeaking when turning wheel back n forth in very short quick back n forth. Could they have forgot to grease it. Same work on an f150 and it handled great after ball joints. Wife refuses to drive it now, says the steering is “squirrely”
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
It can be "normal" for newly installed ball joints to have some "memory steer" for a hundred to a couple hundred miles. I experienced this on mine recently. It took about 300 miles to break in the new ball joints and return to normal steering. It isn't always this way. The level of expertise on the part of the mechanic who did the work does play a part.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 3,941
Likes: 240
From: Texas
I test drove an Excursion with 26k three years ago and it felt like it was uncontrollable. I consider myself an excellent driver, I’ve driven just about every type if vehicle and heavy equipment out there and this Excursion was scary to drive. After exiting the highway I drive it straight back and left. The guy said he had just had all new steering components installed.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
RE: steering issues
It’s definitely taken some of the joy out of ownership. The day I brought it home I was amazed a truck that big took so little effort. When same thing was done to an f150 it almost handled like a sports car when I got back. I was more than happy with that out come. I driven well over 300 miles for the break in that was mentioned. Wonder if they forgot to grease it. If you turn steering quickly back and forth when running and not even enough to turn the tires, I can here it squeaking. I’ll update once I take it back again
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
Update
04, 2wd, stock suspension 285/16’s. So shop stated on work order r/r upper and lower ball joints. Are they not called king pins? Job was completed in an hour and half including alignment. Is this a realistic time frame if you had every tool right in front of you? I don’t really see any evidence of new parts. 3k miles since job was completed and it’s tiresome to drive. Could it be just lack of grease? When 03 F-150 had this work done, handling was awesome. Excursion drove like a car when I took it in before work was accomplished. Took it in for a knocking sound that really didn’t get addressed once they said ball joints were worn out. These are greasable fittings. I’m wondering if wires got crossed and work wasn’t done.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Ford quit using the king pin 60 in 1991.
“Ball joints” are essentially a prepackaged king pin, you replace the entire essebly rather then just the bearing like you would in a king pin. Just like the front wheel bearings are now sold as a whole hub assembly called the unit bearing “king pins” are now ball joints.
the actuall king pin is circled in red.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
On the work order does it show all 4 ball joints being replaced ?
how much did they charge ?
changing the BJ on a rwd is a good bit quicker then the 4X4 but an hour to do both sides seems very unlikely.
post a clear well lit picture of your front BJ and we can confirm they are new... or just closely inspect the threads and boots, new ones will be apparent.
how much did they charge ?
changing the BJ on a rwd is a good bit quicker then the 4X4 but an hour to do both sides seems very unlikely.
post a clear well lit picture of your front BJ and we can confirm they are new... or just closely inspect the threads and boots, new ones will be apparent.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2019
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Steering
Man I’m almost afraid to say...bout 800 bucks. And yes it says upper and lower joints. Give me a little bit of time and I’ll post the photos. Hate to accuse someone but somethings not right
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
No need to accuse however you do need to take it back and get it resolved, clearly they never test drive it.
Speak with the shop owner or manager and explain the situation, once they drive it it should be clear things need to be corrected.
edit... $800 is about right for BAll joints... dealership is $900
Speak with the shop owner or manager and explain the situation, once they drive it it should be clear things need to be corrected.
edit... $800 is about right for BAll joints... dealership is $900
