91' E350 steering & Noise problems
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Salt Lake City
91' E350 steering & Noise problems
I have an E350 Econoline van (135,000 miles) that has had loose steering since I purchased it in 94'. It has recently become much worse.
I've replaced the power steering pump and hoses that were leaking very badly and starting to make a noise (leaking and noise now gone but still have loud crackling (like metal grinding on metal) when turning the steering wheel, think it is in the steering linkage), replaced the shocks but thats it as far as the steering/suspension goes.
The front passenger side tire is wearing very badly on the outside
Do I need to replace the steering linkage or just some of the parts or could it be something else?
Thanks for your help? I can fix most anything myself once I know what it is, knowing what to fix is another question.
Kim
I've replaced the power steering pump and hoses that were leaking very badly and starting to make a noise (leaking and noise now gone but still have loud crackling (like metal grinding on metal) when turning the steering wheel, think it is in the steering linkage), replaced the shocks but thats it as far as the steering/suspension goes.
The front passenger side tire is wearing very badly on the outside
Do I need to replace the steering linkage or just some of the parts or could it be something else?
Thanks for your help? I can fix most anything myself once I know what it is, knowing what to fix is another question.
Kim
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: New Port Richey
Have the Kingpins checked they will make a grinding noise when the seals are bad or gone altoghter.It could also be one or more parts of the steering linkage.Have the some problem now on my 76 E150 Chateau. It`s the Kingpins.
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With a 94 Econoline it doesnt have kingpins, it has regular balljoints. Second of all you kneed to pull off your rotors, and check all of your wheel bearings on the inside, ill bet that the inner bearing is fried. that would explain the tire wear too if the wheel bearings are loose. also check balljoints for any play that would cause excesive wear on the outer edges of the tire. I just got done dooing one of these today at work. 3ball joints and 2 wheel bearings and races. p.s the loose steering may be tightened by snugging up the gearbox. but dont try that yourself unless you know what your dooing its kinda hard to explain but just take it to a shop and say you want your gearbox tightened.
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From: Salt Lake City
I just had all the zirks greased at Jiffy lube and the grinding noise up front has all but stopped. I must have neglected the poor thing. There is still plenty of slop in the steering though so I will check the kingpins/balljoints. This is a 91' not a 94 (purchased in 94') so does it have kingpins then?
Thanks again, you guys have been most helpful.
Kim
Thanks again, you guys have been most helpful.
Kim
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Salt Lake City
91' E350 loose steering
I have narrowed this problem down to the "steering shaft flange and flex coupling", question is how difficult are these to change for the average do it yourselfer?
Looks like I need to drop the steering gear to do this, is that correct? If so do I need to bleed the PS pump? Is there anything here that I really need to be careful with or that is really difficult?
Their is a lot of play here when the flange moves before it makes contact with the pins on either side and starts the wheels a turning. Looks like the pins are worn about 1/4 on each side or about 1/2 way through and the flange opening on both sides appear worn so they are bigger than they should be.
Thanks for your help
Kim
Looks like I need to drop the steering gear to do this, is that correct? If so do I need to bleed the PS pump? Is there anything here that I really need to be careful with or that is really difficult?
Their is a lot of play here when the flange moves before it makes contact with the pins on either side and starts the wheels a turning. Looks like the pins are worn about 1/4 on each side or about 1/2 way through and the flange opening on both sides appear worn so they are bigger than they should be.
Thanks for your help
Kim
