Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Steering column loose

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 5, 2022 | 06:38 PM
  #1  
Apocalypse Truck's Avatar
Apocalypse Truck
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 43
Likes: 6
Steering column loose

Hello,

1997 Ford F250, 5.8L 351W, RWD

The entire steering wheel is a bit loose and moves back and forth. The two videos show what I mean and where I see movement. The image shown below is what seems to be loose, but when I tightened that bolt, nothing changed.

The whole truck was taken apart and put back together 1,000 miles ago and it's been running good. This just happened out of the blue.

Have any of you run into this before? I can start taking it apart, but I wanted to do some research before I got too far down the rabbit hole.

I'll be happy to supply more pictures if needed.


 
Attached Files
File Type: mov
IMG_1450.MOV (8.55 MB, 105 views)
File Type: mov
IMG_1453.mov (14.87 MB, 46 views)
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2022 | 06:44 PM
  #2  
Prototypemech's Avatar
Prototypemech
Logistics Pro
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1,199
From: Mojave, Ca
I'm interested in how you're gunna repair this, because mine does that too.
 
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2022 | 04:26 AM
  #3  
tjc transport's Avatar
tjc transport
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,569
Likes: 5,606
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
Club FTE Gold Member
i am going to say worn out bushings between the clamping bolts.
although i have never run into that before.
 
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2022 | 05:55 AM
  #4  
toolman60's Avatar
toolman60
More Turbo
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 551
Likes: 151
From: King and Queen Virginia
The bushing is not fully seated into the bracket may be playing a part of the problem along with possible worn or split bushing.
 
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2022 | 11:41 PM
  #5  
Apocalypse Truck's Avatar
Apocalypse Truck
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 43
Likes: 6
Sooooo, here's my update.

I took all of my panels off. I figured I would change my blinker while I was there. IT WORKS SO MUCH BETTER NOW.

But the loose steering column was not completely resolved. I loosened up those bolts, but there wasn't any obvious problem. Maybe if I took the whole steering column off, I would be able to see what the problem is.

For now, I just tightened the hell out of them and it seems to be doing fine.

To get to the point where it didn't make noise, I had to tighten, test, loosen, tighten, fiddle, test some more, fiddle, loosen, tighten and pray. That exact sequence seemed to work for me. No more shaking back and forth or noise coming from the steering column.

But honestly, I'm super happy about my blinker. Sometimes it's the small things in life.

 
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2022 | 06:43 AM
  #6  
Apocalypse Truck's Avatar
Apocalypse Truck
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 43
Likes: 6
Originally Posted by Prototypemech
I'm interested in how you're gunna repair this, because mine does that too.
Here's an update after fixing it and driving it for a while.

The only thing I really did was loosen and tighten the bolts until there was no play in the steering wheel. I no longer hear a clunking noise when I am turning.

I wasn't able to get the bushings to sit properly or even figure out what part needs to be replaced.

But my problem is solved.
 
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2022 | 10:28 AM
  #7  
Prototypemech's Avatar
Prototypemech
Logistics Pro
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1,199
From: Mojave, Ca
Thx @Apocalypse Truck . I'll try that on mine.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
theswagg
2017 - 2022 Super Duty
4
Oct 20, 2022 06:09 PM
moveoverGM
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Feb 4, 2022 11:50 AM
mytoolman
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Dec 23, 2021 02:06 PM
Koehn
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jun 27, 2021 02:29 PM
Patina65
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
May 11, 2021 04:33 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:38 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE