steering wander
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,529
Likes: 390
From: SEVA
Nailed it! Needs more caster. Feels too free going straight with no on-center stability (must confess I have less than 1K miles on my 2022).
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 576
Likes: 4
From: Graham, WA
My '19 has always had a bit of a wandering feeling on the highway. They say the tires need 300mi to break in, in your case I would give it at least that amount of time, then reevaluate the condition. Seems a little odd that removing the stabilizer makes it track straight (according to your dealer).
The wandering feeling I have experienced has remained after thousands of miles, and even though my factory stabilizer was changed out (Bilstein) at around 3k miles, it had no affect on the slight wandering feeling. One of these days I'll get it on an alignment rack, I suspect it could be dialed in better.
The wandering feeling I have experienced has remained after thousands of miles, and even though my factory stabilizer was changed out (Bilstein) at around 3k miles, it had no affect on the slight wandering feeling. One of these days I'll get it on an alignment rack, I suspect it could be dialed in better.
Rob
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 92
Likes: 2
From: Black Hills, SD
2021 Wander
I have a 2021 F350 that has wandered terribly since new. The Michelin tires were replaced at 2000 miles with Open Country III's. This has helped some but the truck still requires constant steering input. The alignment was checked and the steering was inspected by the dealership. Reducing tire pressure makes no difference. I have owned F250's and F350 for the past 25 years and none of them drove poorly as this truck does. I am at a loss for what to do next. I don't want to start throwing parts at it hoping I will hit on what is causing the problem. The truck has 4000 miles on it now.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,640
Likes: 2,435
Mine are the Michelin's but still could be tire related.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 432
Likes: 132
I have a 2021 F350 that has wandered terribly since new. The Michelin tires were replaced at 2000 miles with Open Country III's. This has helped some but the truck still requires constant steering input. The alignment was checked and the steering was inspected by the dealership. Reducing tire pressure makes no difference. I have owned F250's and F350 for the past 25 years and none of them drove poorly as this truck does. I am at a loss for what to do next. I don't want to start throwing parts at it hoping I will hit on what is causing the problem. The truck has 4000 miles on it now.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 110
Do you have adaptive/active steering option?
I have a 2021 F350 that has wandered terribly since new. The Michelin tires were replaced at 2000 miles with Open Country III's. This has helped some but the truck still requires constant steering input. The alignment was checked and the steering was inspected by the dealership. Reducing tire pressure makes no difference. I have owned F250's and F350 for the past 25 years and none of them drove poorly as this truck does. I am at a loss for what to do next. I don't want to start throwing parts at it hoping I will hit on what is causing the problem. The truck has 4000 miles on it now.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 618
Likes: 69
I too complained about the steering in my 2019. Ford replaced a trackbar, steering stabilizer and a tie rod that were wearing prematurely around 20K miles. The biggest difference was when I swapped out the factory Goodyears for some better tires in a 285/75-18 size. The truck drives much better now, but one of these days I'll add some castor bushings as well. I have the snow plow package so I'm likely running even less castor than most trucks.
Adam
Adam
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 92
Likes: 2
From: Black Hills, SD
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 193
Likes: 65
The wandering may improve with miles but I’ve replaced the stock caster bushings on my last two super duties to absolutely cure the wandering.
Seems around 4 degrees positive caster really makes a difference in stability. Took me 1 1/2 hour to replace the bushings on my ‘22 then had the alignment checked……it was right where it should be.
I got the bushings from SPC.
Seems around 4 degrees positive caster really makes a difference in stability. Took me 1 1/2 hour to replace the bushings on my ‘22 then had the alignment checked……it was right where it should be.
I got the bushings from SPC.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 607
You end up in that ~4 range of caster when done, but the bushings are SPC 2.3 and 2.6 degree.
https://www.spcalignment.com/index.p...tion&pid=23269
https://www.spcalignment.com/index.p...tion&pid=23269
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 193
Likes: 65
You end up in that ~4 range of caster when done, but the bushings are SPC 2.3 and 2.6 degree.
https://www.spcalignment.com/index.p...tion&pid=23269
https://www.spcalignment.com/index.p...tion&pid=23269
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 709
Likes: 188
If you're unhappy with the current wandering behavior, I'd suggest changing the caster bushings. SPC makes a set specifically for 4x4 Super Duties that is +2.6 degrees caster on the passenger's side, and +2.3 degrees on the driver's side (helps compensate for road crown) I've swapped out the stock caster bushings on both my 2020 and now my 2022 with good results. The next step after caster bushings is to upgrade the steering stabilizer if you're still looking for additional improvement. I've run the through shaft Fox adjustable ATS steering stabilizer on both my 2020 and now my 2022 as well, and it also makes a noticeable improvement.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 193
Likes: 65
If you're unhappy with the current wandering behavior, I'd suggest changing the caster bushings. SPC makes a set specifically for 4x4 Super Duties that is +2.6 degrees caster on the passenger's side, and +2.3 degrees on the driver's side (helps compensate for road crown) I've swapped out the stock caster bushings on both my 2020 and now my 2022 with good results. The next step after caster bushings is to upgrade the steering stabilizer if you're still looking for additional improvement. I've run the through shaft Fox adjustable ATS steering stabilizer on both my 2020 and now my 2022 as well, and it also makes a noticeable improvement.
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