Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

Ball Joints replaced, now steering wanders

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 10:00 AM
  #1  
chas111's Avatar
chas111
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 200
Likes: 26
Ball Joints replaced, now steering wanders

I recently got all 4 ball joints replaced. The truck seems to ride better now and does not have all the creaks and squeeks anymore. However, it seems to wander now when going straight down the road. I really have to work the steering wheel to keep it straight. It seems like it over reacts when I steer. I tightened the steering box 1/4 turn and it seems to help. I am thinking about turning it one more 1/4 turn to see how that is.

Anyone experience same issue?
 
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 01:31 PM
  #2  
SteveH-CO's Avatar
SteveH-CO
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 52
From: Southern Colorado
I presume you had it aligned after replacing the ball joints. That alone could cause your problems. Even if you did, you might take it to another shop to have the alignment checked. Also check tire pressures when you have weird wandering problems.

Obviously, the steering box tightening can only contribute so much, but if it helps, keep doing it until you sense you've gone too far.

A good alignment shop could drive your truck and give you their .02 worth, too.

Steve
 
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 02:23 PM
  #3  
350z's Avatar
350z
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
From: latrobe pa
Were the ball joints pre loaded (tightened in sequence )when installed ? if they were , if that applies to your vehicle , then front end alignment done , should be ok .
 
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2006 | 03:05 PM
  #4  
chas111's Avatar
chas111
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 200
Likes: 26
Thanks for the insight. I don't think they did an alignment. I plan to take it to another shop to have them check it.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:06 PM.

story-0
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-5
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-7
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-8
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-9
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE