slack in steering wheel
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Trailering
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: arkansas
slack in steering wheel
I am having a problem with my 1997 F-150 4x4. there is slack in the steering wheel. This is not the kind of looseness you have with loose tie rod ends, this looseness seems to be where the steering wheel itself connects to the steering shaft on the column. I haven't taken the steering wheel off of a vehicle with an air bag, but I am willing to tackle the job if anyone has a suggestion that might fix it. There is about an inch of slack in any direction that the steering wheel is moved. It also has a tightness when turning the wheel once in a while. It feels like trying to turn the wheel with the engine shut off. Any help will be appreciated.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
There is a slip yoke in the shaft that goes between the steering column and the steering gear box. Those wear sometimes which causes play. The shaft needs to be replaced if that's the case.
I would still closely check the tie rod ends and ball joints etc though too.
I would still closely check the tie rod ends and ball joints etc though too.
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Trailering
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: arkansas
Thanks Racerguy. I just got the chance to tear down the steering column. I found the heavy coil spring under the steering wheel broken. there are metal shavings from the spring binding and rubbing. Now I need to know if there is supposed to be a bearing on the column shaft just below the coil spring or just a bushing. This appears to be the place where the slack is. I have a Haynes for this truck but it isn't detailed enough. I wondered if anyone had a exploded view picture of this area. As before all help is appreciated.
I found the bearing races both inner and outer (no bearings left) no when talking to Ford parts dept. have been told there are 2 bearings in this area. What are the chances that the bottom one as well as the top one is out?
I found the bearing races both inner and outer (no bearings left) no when talking to Ford parts dept. have been told there are 2 bearings in this area. What are the chances that the bottom one as well as the top one is out?
Last edited by no_smoking2003; Dec 31, 2004 at 04:48 PM. Reason: additional information
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