01 Handling issue
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New User
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01 Handling issue
Hi,
This is my first post to the forum. I've not found a way to search the forum. Is there one?
I recently purchased a used 01 Expedition with 2 wheel drive. The truck appears to be in very good shape. It has 4 almost new tires that are Goodyear Wrangler RT/S 255/70/16.
While driving, the car seems to drift in the lane. Doesn't pull like an alignment issue, just seems to drift like there is play in the steering. Wind makes it worse.
Is there any fix for this? I searched google and saw where someone said the late 01's and beyond had a modification that corrected this issue.
Thanks for the forum.
This is my first post to the forum. I've not found a way to search the forum. Is there one?
I recently purchased a used 01 Expedition with 2 wheel drive. The truck appears to be in very good shape. It has 4 almost new tires that are Goodyear Wrangler RT/S 255/70/16.
While driving, the car seems to drift in the lane. Doesn't pull like an alignment issue, just seems to drift like there is play in the steering. Wind makes it worse.
Is there any fix for this? I searched google and saw where someone said the late 01's and beyond had a modification that corrected this issue.
Thanks for the forum.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2004
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OK, I found the search function. Can't believe I missed it.
Found lot's of talk about handling and it all seems to center around replacing shocks and stabilizer bars.
I'm not sure how old the shocks are on this thing so I'll probably do that first.
Again with the search I found a lot of recs on shock brands. Not sure what i'll get but i'm sure price will play a part.
Found lot's of talk about handling and it all seems to center around replacing shocks and stabilizer bars.
I'm not sure how old the shocks are on this thing so I'll probably do that first.
Again with the search I found a lot of recs on shock brands. Not sure what i'll get but i'm sure price will play a part.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
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Not to contradict the last post, but I find that overinflating the front tires will cause it to wander. Try comparing the cold tire air pressure in all tires with the recommended pressures found on the driver's door sticker and correct as necessary. How is the status of the front end alignment?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: All over Texas
These trucks have a goofy variable assist steering. From my understanding, the problems were more pronounced in the earliest versions of the Expy's, but were rectified sometime around '00....many still complain about the steering feel. I found that high-end shocks and a steering stabilizer made a huge difference in my truck's feel on the road.
Also, as mentioned above, check the tire pressure and possibly experiment a bit.
Also, as mentioned above, check the tire pressure and possibly experiment a bit.
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
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Since it was Silver's 1st post, might as well make it mine. Just picked up a 98 Expy for the wife. I have been driving it and noticed exactly what he described. Funny feeling, seems like the steering has a lot of play, but at the same time it is also tight?? Also noticed that I can sort of 'feel' the power steering pump through the wheel, kind of like it is low on fluid and foaming, but it isn't. Happy with the truck so far, but will keep my eye on this situation.
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JL,
Compare the COLD tire pressures in the tires with the recommended pressures found on the sticker on the door. Alter the pressures as necessary to exactly match the recommended pressures. I'll bet that the front tires are overinflated. Even a few pounds too high will have a profound effect on the quality of the steering.
Compare the COLD tire pressures in the tires with the recommended pressures found on the sticker on the door. Alter the pressures as necessary to exactly match the recommended pressures. I'll bet that the front tires are overinflated. Even a few pounds too high will have a profound effect on the quality of the steering.
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Do what "PaulC" says. I always start with the cheapest/easiest fix first, then proceed up the dollar/time scale. I bought a used '02 last March; some knucklehead at the dealership had OVER 40PSI in the front tires. That Expy would literally jump from lane-to-lane with the slightest of steering input!!! I returned to the dealership, had them check the pressure (again over 40), reduced it to 30 (per the sticker on the gas tank door) and took another test ride. Like a completely different vehicle!!! So...try the tire pressure check first; then progress to front-end alignment, wheel balancing, ball-joints, shocks, etc. I hope you'll find this to be a simple fix.
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
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Just checked tire pressures, just about 30 lf, 29 rf. I'll try to tweak all 4 so they exactly match that sticker recommendations. The the truck is "new" to me, seems to be in great shape for 91,500 miles, but the shocks look original- I was thinking of changing them first and seeing how it goes from there.
BTW- there is a ton of great info out here, I'm sure it will help me out in the long run....already has with the 'door ajar' thing.
BTW- there is a ton of great info out here, I'm sure it will help me out in the long run....already has with the 'door ajar' thing.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
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I am having the steering gear replaced on my 1997 Expy and the mechanic also told me that both lower ball joints and the upper left ball joint needed to be replaced, but I had a lot of play in the steering and it pulled to the left. I had two different shops look at it before I made the decision to have to work done, and both shops told me that the steering gear was bad, so I am having that done today. The steering gear replacement alone will run $630!!! Good luck everyone with the steering problems.
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All this makes me glad I bought a warranty, but right now I'm not sure there is even a problem. It just feels a lot different than my Dodge, perhaps a little on ths squirrely side. I'll see if the shocks make a difference. Also- I've read (here) about changing the power steering fluid and replacing with synthetic. My intentions are to get all the fluids in the thing changed so that I have some peace of mind that they are all good. What is the idea behind the synthetic?- will that perhaps help out with that "foaming" sensation I'm feeling from the pump?