Sensitive Steering
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Virginia
Sensitive Steering
The steering on my 99 Expy seems awful light and touchy to me.
The truck doesnt wander on the road, but it seems that when I have to make a steering "correction" , it over corrects.
There just doest seem to be a smooth transition between a left and right wheel movement.
I am constantly going down the road, making these twitchy adjustmnts, and really having to pay attention. If I turn my head for an INSTANT the truck is headed off to the side.
Is this sensitivity something that I can have dialed OUT with an alignment? caster?
Thanks in advance
Phil
The truck doesnt wander on the road, but it seems that when I have to make a steering "correction" , it over corrects.
There just doest seem to be a smooth transition between a left and right wheel movement.
I am constantly going down the road, making these twitchy adjustmnts, and really having to pay attention. If I turn my head for an INSTANT the truck is headed off to the side.
Is this sensitivity something that I can have dialed OUT with an alignment? caster?
Thanks in advance
Phil
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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In my not-so-professional opinion, it's the nature of the beast. It only takes these things 6-8" to be off to the side of the road, where in a car it takes much more.
In addition, even light winds can cause a drift, especially if not properly aligned. I will say I notice the steering is tighter in the first 60 degree's of rotation, probably a "feature" to allow for little steering alogn most roads.
I've gotten used to mine, however it is the only vehicle I drive.
In addition, even light winds can cause a drift, especially if not properly aligned. I will say I notice the steering is tighter in the first 60 degree's of rotation, probably a "feature" to allow for little steering alogn most roads.
I've gotten used to mine, however it is the only vehicle I drive.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 719
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From: Long Island USA
Ford did this to attract a female contingent of buyers. They would expect it to drive like a truck, then test drive it and saw it handled more like a car. Since females are the majority of stay at home parents Ford had to take this into consideration when designing a LARGE daily driver.
As far as the wind goes............They have the aerodynamics of a cinder block so you should expect to be moved a little by wind.
Sorry I missed the twitchy part, as far as that goes, follow Tsdrallyer.
As far as the wind goes............They have the aerodynamics of a cinder block so you should expect to be moved a little by wind.
Sorry I missed the twitchy part, as far as that goes, follow Tsdrallyer.
Last edited by 1999XLT; Oct 28, 2003 at 12:15 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 736
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From: Texas, USA
No, the design and normal configuration is not twitchy. In most cases the alignment and tire pressures are the cause. If the alighment has recently be done, front and rear, then try the following tire pressures. Rear: Maximum pressure as molded into the side wall of the tires. Front: 5 lbs less than the rear.
Check or have checked all bushings on suspension parts checked for wear. That can affect the feel of the steering.
You have variable ratio steering in Expys which helps a great deal at low speed tight manuvering as in parking. At higher speeds it goes away for safety sake. From 1 to 110mph my Expy is very predictable and easy to steer accurately and comfortably on any surface whether on or off road, whether solo or towing.
Hope this helps.
Check or have checked all bushings on suspension parts checked for wear. That can affect the feel of the steering.
You have variable ratio steering in Expys which helps a great deal at low speed tight manuvering as in parking. At higher speeds it goes away for safety sake. From 1 to 110mph my Expy is very predictable and easy to steer accurately and comfortably on any surface whether on or off road, whether solo or towing.
Hope this helps.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,960
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From: All over Texas
I've been reading posts whereby people have complained about Expy steering for three years. I agree that Ford purposely "softened" the feel to attract a "broader" crowd. My mother likes driving my father's Expy better than her Lexus. She's mentioned several times it is the "easiest" vehicle she's ever driven.....yuck!
A few years ago I installed a horizontal steering stabilizer to my linkage and haven't looked back.....best $50 I've ever spent.
A few years ago I installed a horizontal steering stabilizer to my linkage and haven't looked back.....best $50 I've ever spent.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 753
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From: Oklahoma
I've had my 99 4x4 for about a month now...same issue! At first it scared the heck out of me, but now after about 3000 miles, I don't even like driving my Mustang anymore. I love the fact that it has a smaller turning radius!
All I can say is that if you want to leave it stock, it will be a love hate relationship.
Or you can follow buzzard's lead and add a stabilizer shock to get a more truck feel.
Good luck!
All I can say is that if you want to leave it stock, it will be a love hate relationship.
Or you can follow buzzard's lead and add a stabilizer shock to get a more truck feel.
Good luck!
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Long Island, NY
I had the same problems with my 98 and then I read a few posts about the actual tire pressure for the front's. If they are over 35 psi, it will feel light and twitchy like you said. I lowered the pressure to 32 psi and it now feels much better.
My suggestion is to test the psi and see how high it is. If it's at 35 or above try lowering it to 32 and see if you like it. People say that it kills the mpg by lowering it, but I guess there's a trade off for everything. Good luck!
P.S. My rears are set at 35.
Phil
My suggestion is to test the psi and see how high it is. If it's at 35 or above try lowering it to 32 and see if you like it. People say that it kills the mpg by lowering it, but I guess there's a trade off for everything. Good luck!
P.S. My rears are set at 35.
Phil
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Factory PSI for front tires on the 4x4 models is 30 PSI. Stick to it. I can always tell when the tire store doesn't adjust the tire pressure after rotation, as 35 PSI Front makes this truck the 5,500 lb. equivalent of a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
A lot of owners complained about this characteristic, which compelled Ford to introduce a different steering box midway through the 1999 model year. I've driven a 2001 with this box, and it makes the truck feel heavy and dead to me, but that's just my perspective.
A lot of owners complained about this characteristic, which compelled Ford to introduce a different steering box midway through the 1999 model year. I've driven a 2001 with this box, and it makes the truck feel heavy and dead to me, but that's just my perspective.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Virginia
I guess I'll try the air pressure next!
With my digital guage, I was set to 35 psi, and the thing was a nightmare to drive. I then found out (by using a calibrated gauge) that mine reads 5 lbs low, so I was actually at 40 lbs all around.
I adjusted the pressures to an actual 35 psi all around, but is still touchy.
Tomorrow, I'll move the front to 30-32 and see.
I hope that helps.
The funny thing is..... when towing my 4000 lb boat, the Expy actually drives BETTER!....but still not quite right.
It just bothers me that as I see other vehicles riding a nice straight line, I seem to be all over the road.
I am confident all the front end pieces are in good shape, as it went thru Maryland inspection 2 months ago, which is very extensive, and went thru Virginia inspection yesterday.
With my digital guage, I was set to 35 psi, and the thing was a nightmare to drive. I then found out (by using a calibrated gauge) that mine reads 5 lbs low, so I was actually at 40 lbs all around.
I adjusted the pressures to an actual 35 psi all around, but is still touchy.
Tomorrow, I'll move the front to 30-32 and see.
I hope that helps.
The funny thing is..... when towing my 4000 lb boat, the Expy actually drives BETTER!....but still not quite right.
It just bothers me that as I see other vehicles riding a nice straight line, I seem to be all over the road.
I am confident all the front end pieces are in good shape, as it went thru Maryland inspection 2 months ago, which is very extensive, and went thru Virginia inspection yesterday.
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10
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From: Va
Twitchy Steering
I also have a '99 and have been going through the same thing since day one. VERY twitchy response. Had the entire steering system replaced, multiple alignments, front suspension pieces replaced, and my fronts are kept at 30psi. Nothing seems to work. I see people in F450s flying by me on highways with fairly sharp turns when I am having to focus every bit of attention I have on keeping it in the lane. It feels to me as if it is severely toed-in, but no matter where I take it, they say it is to spec. Don't know what to tell you.......
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,960
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From: All over Texas
Re: Twitchy Steering
Originally posted by DeathStar
I also have a '99 and have been going through the same thing since day one. VERY twitchy response. Had the entire steering system replaced, multiple alignments, front suspension pieces replaced, and my fronts are kept at 30psi. Nothing seems to work. I see people in F450s flying by me on highways with fairly sharp turns when I am having to focus every bit of attention I have on keeping it in the lane. It feels to me as if it is severely toed-in, but no matter where I take it, they say it is to spec. Don't know what to tell you.......
I also have a '99 and have been going through the same thing since day one. VERY twitchy response. Had the entire steering system replaced, multiple alignments, front suspension pieces replaced, and my fronts are kept at 30psi. Nothing seems to work. I see people in F450s flying by me on highways with fairly sharp turns when I am having to focus every bit of attention I have on keeping it in the lane. It feels to me as if it is severely toed-in, but no matter where I take it, they say it is to spec. Don't know what to tell you.......
Let me guess, you were a BMW owner prior to purchasing your Expy?
Just kidding, although I always get a kick out of people who expect 5,000+ lb trucks to handle like the sports cars they are trading in on their first SUV.
I've got a 4x4 with 3" oversize tires, steering stabilizer and Rancho shocks. Mine handles like a champ with no control concerns. But, I've been driving SUV's since 1986 and know their limitations too.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
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I had the same problem on my 2000 Expedition from day one. After driving it for several months I sort of got used to it. However whenever my 18 year old daughter ask to drive it felt like she was wandering all over the highway.
I'm been driving a 2003 Expediton for the past year and the steering is not so touchy and is much improved. The 03 steering requires less effort to keep it in the lane.
Fred
I'm been driving a 2003 Expediton for the past year and the steering is not so touchy and is much improved. The 03 steering requires less effort to keep it in the lane.
Fred
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Junior User
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From: Virginia
buzzard & southprk
thanks for your input, but I never suggested YOURS drove badly, I suggested MINE did.
Im 54 years old, and this is NOT my 1st SUV. As a matter of fact, this is my 5th one sice 1983.
I have also owned 3 Corvettes and several other vehicles since that time, and this is by far thr worse driving vehicle Ive owned. I was assuming, and still hoping that the problems can be adjusted out.
As far a suggesting driving a Chevy.... thank you
This is my 1st Ford, as I have always been a Chevy man.
At this point, when I sell/trade (had this one 2 months only), I expect that I might move back up to a Chevy.
For all the others that have responded, thanks to you also for confirming that this is an issue with you also.
Its a little scary to be in heavy traffic on I-95 and have this thing being as touchy as it is.
I also have a Nissan Pathfinder... it moves around a little but the difference is that when you make a correction, it is smooth, not twitchy.
phil
thanks for your input, but I never suggested YOURS drove badly, I suggested MINE did.
Im 54 years old, and this is NOT my 1st SUV. As a matter of fact, this is my 5th one sice 1983.
I have also owned 3 Corvettes and several other vehicles since that time, and this is by far thr worse driving vehicle Ive owned. I was assuming, and still hoping that the problems can be adjusted out.
As far a suggesting driving a Chevy.... thank you
This is my 1st Ford, as I have always been a Chevy man.
At this point, when I sell/trade (had this one 2 months only), I expect that I might move back up to a Chevy.
For all the others that have responded, thanks to you also for confirming that this is an issue with you also.
Its a little scary to be in heavy traffic on I-95 and have this thing being as touchy as it is.
I also have a Nissan Pathfinder... it moves around a little but the difference is that when you make a correction, it is smooth, not twitchy.
phil