Steering Issue

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Aug 11, 2024 | 04:09 PM

ldruth61

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Trailering

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Steering Issue

My 1999 f250 super duty steer seems slow to return while driving when I am trying to keep it straight on the road. It almost feels like a delayed response and then I overcompensate. I tried tightening up the steering box and while it takes up any play in the wheel, it does not stop the slow return and actually feels too tight/jerky when I go to control it. Because of that I loosened it back up some. While driving, if I turn the wheel back and forth really fast it feels sluggish to return and the whole front end of the truck kind of wabbles back and forth. I am handy and work on my truck myself, but I really don't know much about suspensions.
Any suggestions on what could be causing this to happen?
Thanks
Dean

Aug 11, 2024 | 08:36 PM

Eman85

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From: E TN

Check all of the front steering and suspension, especially ball joints.

Aug 11, 2024 | 09:09 PM

ldruth61

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Trailering

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I understand I should check my front steering and suspension and ball joints. I just don't know what to look for as to what would be the issue.
Dean

Aug 11, 2024 | 09:54 PM

Eman85

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From: E TN

Do a google or Youtube search and see how to check suspension.

Aug 11, 2024 | 10:53 PM

ldruth61

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Trailering

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yes of course. But I am hoping someone has the same issue and may have the exact fix. Cheers

Aug 12, 2024 | 06:59 AM

projectSHO89

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Joined: Jan 2004

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From: St Louis

Has anyone been screwing with the adjustment on the steering gear? If so, it's over tightened now, probable due to a gear that was worn out in the first place.

Aug 13, 2024 | 10:19 AM

bajaphile

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Joined: Dec 2019

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From: San Diego, CA

Quick check for steering play, get a helper to get in the truck, turn on engine and move the wheel side to side slightly. While they are doing that, look at all the end links for any play. Watch input shaft movement vs output on steering box/gear. Check for upper and lower ball joint slack while turning wheels as well. There should be 0. Another way to check ball joints is to jack up and support front axle, and grab wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and check for vertical play. You can also check by trying to turn each wheel side to side and look for any play in steering linkage (end links).