1999 F350 Deisel Power Steering Problems please help

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Nov 6, 2006 | 08:59 PM

dedicatedtoamazons

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1999 F350 Deisel Power Steering Problems please help

Hi Guys,
I am not a Mechanic by any means and have a question for one of you wonderful Mechanics that may know what the heck is going on with my truck.
I have a 99 F350 Deisel that has had to have the power Steering box changed 4 times now. It starts by pulling to the left and all of a sudden it's like it is possesed and pulls real hard to the right. It gets worse and worse and then it streers back and forth on it's own and I can not control it at all. At that time I send it in tio the shop. The Mechanic has changed it 4 times now and even changed the pump once back in September. Well, about 2 weeks ago it started doing the same crap again. It seems like it will last for around 30 days then start again. Is the Mechanic missing a step in the installation? Am I getting bad boxes? He said he found metal in one of the new ones once that he opened up. I am at my wits end here. Please help if you can.
Thanks,
Amy

Nov 6, 2006 | 11:00 PM

blackhat620

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dedicatedtoamazons,

4 steering boxes is a bit much. One bad one maybe but 4. Has the rest of the front end been checked by a qualified and competent mechanic?
Bad ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings etc can cause steering wander. Also worn tires or a front end that is not aligned correctly.If the toe in is off in the front end alignment this will cause pulling from side to side.

Are you running oversize tires?

Nov 7, 2006 | 04:03 AM

dedicatedtoamazons

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Other things that we checked

Thanks for your reply, I think at one time they had to change the power steering pump as well as the box. I suggested the stabilizer, and to look at the toe in and toe out. I also mentioned the Tie rod. I am not a Mechanic by anymeans but do know some parts of the steering on a truck from doing pre-trips on Tractor Trailers for so long. I have been around them for 20 years and am an instructor at a truck school. I have made suggestions to the Mechanic but I don't think he is taking me seriously. The truck actually belongs to my boyfriend and the mechanic is a friend of his that owns his own garage. So far we have only paid for one box and labor. Now they are not even touching the truck because they can't figure out what is wrong. I don't think it has has a whole lot to do with the box myself, I think it's something else causeing the box to give out. Find the main problem and the streering boxes will be fine.
Thanks again,
Amy

Nov 7, 2006 | 08:37 AM

jtmerritt

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From: Cincinnati, Ohio

Sounds to me like it is time that the truck goes to a different reputable front end mechanic. Four steering boxes is extreme but where did the steering gears come from? I replaced a steering gear with one from Autozone on another vehicle and after two bad ones went to NAPA and got a replacement Cardone that was a good one. As was posted earlier all of the front end needs a good going over including alignment before focusing on the steering gear. A good front end man will be able to fix the problem.

John

Jan 5, 2007 | 12:07 AM

JKELLY0312

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I have the exact same problem with the steering pulling side to side. I pull over and rotate the wheel side to side and it is fine...for a while...some times days. I have changed all steering components and can find no loose or worn parts. Anyone have an answer to this mystery?

J.K.

Jan 5, 2007 | 04:06 AM

dedicatedtoamazons

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Hmm that is too weird. Well, we no longer have that problem because we sold the truck but it's good to know that someone else has had the problem and we are not crazy..LOL thanks for responding. I am going to hang on to this site anyway incase I get another ford and need you guys..Thanks guys for all your help..
Amy

Jan 5, 2007 | 07:14 AM

redford

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From: Stephensville WI

This could also be brake or even tire related, although with tires you won't get the "pulling left then pulling right" switch. I tire induced pull is a steady pull one direction, like you need an alignment.

Also, I agree that the front end should have been checked carefully for worn parts.