2012 Lariat 'sluggish' steering

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 23, 2022 | 01:18 PM

dh_meyer

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 243

Likes: 1

2012 Lariat 'sluggish' steering

My 2012 F-150 Lariat SCREW 5.0 4x4 with 106,000 miles has suddenly developed what I'll call 'sluggish' power steering. It does not affect every turn, but quite often.

I just noticed this after having the 'lug nut tighten check' performed today following a tire rotation/balance of a couple weeks ago. I really cant connect the steering to the lug nut check, but mention it
anyway ...........

3 months ago, I had struts replaced and upper ball joint work done on the truck .......... I read in a post that the battery should be disconnected for some suspension work, but my battery was not disconnected that I know of - I did not have to re-program anything anyway (radio presets, BT connection, etc).

One other thing that has been going on for a few weeks is that sometimes the blinkers do not turn off after completing a turn ........... not sure if this could be related somehow but will mention it. (Clockspring
issue ?)

I've read a few posts about lubing the upper and lower joints on the intermediate steering shaft - what kind of lube should I use ?

Please advise on whether any of the items mentioned could be related vs its time to replace the steering shaft or other. Also wondering if I'm driving a truck with a major safety concern ?

Thanks.

Aug 24, 2022 | 08:26 AM

gDMJoe

Laughing Gas

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 1,200

Likes: 45

From: Timbuk3, MI

Quote:

dh_meyer... I've read a few posts about lubing the upper and lower joints on the intermediate steering shaft - what kind of lube should I use ?

Any good penetrant (to free-up any existing corrosion) and lubricant.

Me: BALLISTOL ««« -click-

Aug 24, 2022 | 09:04 AM

dh_meyer

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 243

Likes: 1

This morning I worked some general automotive grease into the U-joints and took it for a short drive (approx 2 miles) with several left and right turns. I realize its a small test, but the problem did not re-occur. So I will monitor this for awhile.

Aug 24, 2022 | 09:39 AM

RLXXI

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2020

Posts: 7,128

Likes: 1,945

From: Sportsman's Paradise

I use wd40 silicone lube. Works well.

Aug 24, 2022 | 10:18 AM

dh_meyer

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 243

Likes: 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLXXI

I use wd40 silicone lube. Works well.

Have you been able to lube this periodically and avoid replacing the shaft ? Or is the lube a short-term fix ?

Aug 24, 2022 | 10:28 AM

RLXXI

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2020

Posts: 7,128

Likes: 1,945

From: Sportsman's Paradise

Quote:

Originally Posted by dh_meyer

Have you been able to lube this periodically and avoid replacing the shaft ? Or is the lube a short-term fix ?

If you soak it good it'll last a long time. Add it as part of regular oil changes.

Aug 24, 2022 | 03:07 PM

dh_meyer

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 243

Likes: 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLXXI

If you soak it good it'll last a long time. Add it as part of regular oil changes.

I will add it to my oil change schedule as you mentioned.

I change oil every 4,000 - 5,000 miles (full synthetic), which lately takes about 8 months, so hopefully that schedule works well for lubing the steering.