Ford F350 Steering
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky,The Horse Capita
Ford F350 Steering
I have a friend of mine that bought a 2000 F350 crew cab PSD from someone who ordered the truck new. The steering wheel sets at an angle when driven straight and the wheel will not lock unless you turn the wheel at a severe angle. The original owner said it was that way from the factory but it didnt bother him. I have heard of several other trucks from ford that have had the wheel mis-centered at the factory. (Mine is Not) My question is how hard is it to center the steering wheel especially one with the air bag. I have done this on other trucks. Not sure how to approach this one.
Thanks for any info!!
Thanks for any info!!
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Ford F350 Steering
Doin' a front end alignment won't put it center? I had some moron do my wife's van. It now points at 10:00 when cruising straight. It doesn't need an alignment now but when it does, I'll make sure it is straight when I (not her) drive off.
See an alignment guy.
OR am I off base here with what you're saying?
See an alignment guy.
OR am I off base here with what you're saying?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: san diego usa
Ford F350 Steering
Are you sure there's nothing wrong with it? No accidents or anything?
It's not too hard to re-center it. You'll want to adjust the drag link, not pull the steering wheel. Mark the current 12-o'clock position on the steering wheel with something like masking tape. Park the truck on a flat surface. Loosen the two bolts on the drag link adjuster just enough so you can rotate the adjustment sleeve. Do NOT remove the bolts. Rotate the sleeve one-half turn, remembering which way you turned it. Then tighten the bolts. Drive the truck, and note which way and how much the steering wheel moved. You can figure which way and how much the adjuster sleeve now needs to be turned to get your steering wheel straight ahead.
I've seen people do it with the engine running, that way you can watch the steering wheel move as you adjust the drag link, but I can't recommend that because it's dangerous.
But take it to an alignment shop if you don't feel absolutely comfortable working on the steering system.
It's not too hard to re-center it. You'll want to adjust the drag link, not pull the steering wheel. Mark the current 12-o'clock position on the steering wheel with something like masking tape. Park the truck on a flat surface. Loosen the two bolts on the drag link adjuster just enough so you can rotate the adjustment sleeve. Do NOT remove the bolts. Rotate the sleeve one-half turn, remembering which way you turned it. Then tighten the bolts. Drive the truck, and note which way and how much the steering wheel moved. You can figure which way and how much the adjuster sleeve now needs to be turned to get your steering wheel straight ahead.
I've seen people do it with the engine running, that way you can watch the steering wheel move as you adjust the drag link, but I can't recommend that because it's dangerous.
But take it to an alignment shop if you don't feel absolutely comfortable working on the steering system.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mgazak
General NON-Automotive Conversation
21
Nov 18, 2002 11:51 AM
