View Poll Results: What else could cause loose steering

Steering gear

75.00%

Intermediate shaft

25.00%

Pitman

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Jan 8, 2022 | 04:38 PM

Craigwest

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From: Batavia, ohio

Steering

1995 Ford 150 2wd 5.0L. Today I replaced all four ball joint performed alignment. And I still have play in my steering wheel and feel like the steering want to wander. Any thoughts?

Jan 8, 2022 | 05:42 PM

Robfinger

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Craigwest

1995 Ford 150 2wd 5.0L. Today I replaced all four ball joint performed alignment. And I still have play in my steering wheel and feel like the steering want to wander. Any thoughts?

Honestly it could be anything that moves - in addition to the worn steering shaft that you can't do much about short of replacing, and the steering box that you can try snuging up a bit, obviously you have the inner and outer tie-rod ends. Can't be the pitman arm tho, as on your truck that's just a chunk of steel with two holes, not much you can wear on that unless some of the nuts were loose.

Jan 8, 2022 | 05:48 PM

My4Fordtrucks

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Craigwest

1995 Ford 150 2wd 5.0L. Today I replaced all four ball joint performed alignment. And I still have play in my steering wheel and feel like the steering want to wander. Any thoughts?

How did you do a proper alignment if you didn’t check for a worn/ loose intermediate shaft, steering gear or tie rod ends? Did you only set the toe or do you have access to an alignment machine to check caster and camber? Oh, is the suspension still stock or does it have a lift installed?

Have someone move the steering wheel back and forth while you look for play. Jack up the front wheels, check for loose wheel bearings and steering parts.

Jan 8, 2022 | 05:54 PM

Craigwest

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From: Batavia, ohio

When I checked the steering I saw the both lower ball joints were extremely loose. I perform a proper front end alignment. Test drove the truck and that's even I felt steering was still loose and felt like it wanted to wander down the road. And the suspension is stock. I don't like putting lift kits and trucks.

Jan 8, 2022 | 06:36 PM

My4Fordtrucks

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Originally Posted by Craigwest

Now that they have been replaced, you rechecked for anything else that is loose after the test drive? What are the caster and camber readings?

Jan 8, 2022 | 07:34 PM

torq'ta 5 8

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How wore out are the front tires, mine started wondering when they got worn out, also had belts to give way on tires.

Jan 8, 2022 | 08:06 PM

Craigwest

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From: Batavia, ohio

Tires are brand new

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Jan 10, 2022 | 05:05 PM

wwhite

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Steering box to frame crack, Ford TSB, more info here: UPDATE: Need Ideas for Steering Box, Cross Member & Frame Reinforcemnent - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)

I still have to check mine, as its wandered quite a bit since I got the truck, tightened it up a bit by adjusting the set screw on box, but not perfect.