steering problem
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
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steering problem
Can anyone offer any useful ideas as to why my steering is not responsive. Its hard to explain but when I turn the wheel it feels like something to do with the steering is moving with a lot of play, kinda like a jerkiness of some sort. It feels really unsafe but the local garage cannot seem to locate the problem.
1995 Ford F150 xl 4.9l auto 4x4, 168kms.
Thanks in advance!
1995 Ford F150 xl 4.9l auto 4x4, 168kms.
Thanks in advance!
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Bothell, WA
Seems you might need to use a different garage but here are some checks you can do on your own that will help narrow down where the problem is. It's likely you have a combination of wear in the various components that add up to the symptoms you describe. If you find the problem fix it and then continue the test on the other componenets.
1. Steering column play. Open the hood and watch the connection to the gear box while a helper slowly turns the the steering wheel back and forth.
2. front end play. if there isn't any play in the steering wheel jack up the front end so the wheels are off the floor. Have a helper grab the tires and move them back and forth while you watch the pitman arms from the steering gear box.
3. Steering Gear box play. If the front end is tight check the play through the steering gear box using the same test method.
4. If that's tight check the response of the power steering pump as your helper turns the wheel.
1. Steering column play. Open the hood and watch the connection to the gear box while a helper slowly turns the the steering wheel back and forth.
2. front end play. if there isn't any play in the steering wheel jack up the front end so the wheels are off the floor. Have a helper grab the tires and move them back and forth while you watch the pitman arms from the steering gear box.
3. Steering Gear box play. If the front end is tight check the play through the steering gear box using the same test method.
4. If that's tight check the response of the power steering pump as your helper turns the wheel.
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Central Wisconsin
My truck has had numerous problems with the steering system. it sounds like many things but on thing to check is the drag link/ pitman arm joint. I don't know what its called but I know mine is bad and I have tones of play in the wheel. The auto shop said everything checked out so they probably never checked that. Pop the hood and grap the steering rod that goes down to the box. Turn it and watch below the steering box. Do you see the arm comming off of the bo
pitman arm) move but not the tie rod/drag link? Look around while doing this to pinpoint your problem.
pitman arm) move but not the tie rod/drag link? Look around while doing this to pinpoint your problem.
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customfoam
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
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Nov 12, 2008 08:54 PM
