Steering Issues
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Steering Issues
My 02 350 PSD 4x4 (98K miles) is having some steering problems. As in, it's hard to keep the dang thing in the lane at highway speeds.
I had 4 new tires installed, alignment, upper ball joints, ball joints and tie rod ends replaced in an effort to fix the problem.... it didn't work.
It still wanders around the lane at speeds over 50.
Any ideas?
I had 4 new tires installed, alignment, upper ball joints, ball joints and tie rod ends replaced in an effort to fix the problem.... it didn't work.
It still wanders around the lane at speeds over 50.
Any ideas?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
Have the steering box adjusted.
Some of these SD's came from the factory with a loose box (so to speak) and after 98K miles, it's going to be pretty loose no matter what.
Other than that, the leaf spring bushings might be shot. Was it ever lifted?
Some of these SD's came from the factory with a loose box (so to speak) and after 98K miles, it's going to be pretty loose no matter what.
Other than that, the leaf spring bushings might be shot. Was it ever lifted?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by deckpros
Thanks krewat,
Is this adjustment something a competent mechanic can do or should I bring it to the dealer?
Is this adjustment something a competent mechanic can do or should I bring it to the dealer?
The trick is with a worn box, it'll be loose in the middle, but tight at the ends. It'll take some adjustment, but going to far will make it lock up at the ends, where it won't return to center by itself.
But no matter, a decent mechanic or alignment shop should be able to take the slack out of the steering box.
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Update
Two mechanics have said the steering box is adjusted as best as they can get it. I also replaced the steering stablizer. Didn't help at all.
The truck was never lifted, although the previous owner did plow with it.
Should I just spring for a new steering box? I hate to have to take it to the Stealership...
The truck was never lifted, although the previous owner did plow with it.
Should I just spring for a new steering box? I hate to have to take it to the Stealership...
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
If the spool valve in the steering box is worn out, it'll wander too... so, possibly, a new box would fix it.
Me, I'd take it apart and find out. That's not for the faint of heart
Decide if you want to spend the $'s and not have any improvement, just in case it wasn't the problem.
Me, I'd take it apart and find out. That's not for the faint of heart
Decide if you want to spend the $'s and not have any improvement, just in case it wasn't the problem.
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I had the same problem. I tried everything. It was truly a death trap.
I installed new shocks, new front end and alignment, antisway bar, adjustment of steering gear box. Nothing fixed it.
Had to replace the steering geer box. Now I can drive onthe highway with two fingers.
I installed new shocks, new front end and alignment, antisway bar, adjustment of steering gear box. Nothing fixed it.
Had to replace the steering geer box. Now I can drive onthe highway with two fingers.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Originally Posted by jkinzler
I had the same problem. I tried everything. It was truly a death trap.
I installed new shocks, new front end and alignment, antisway bar, adjustment of steering gear box. Nothing fixed it.
Had to replace the steering geer box. Now I can drive onthe highway with two fingers.
I installed new shocks, new front end and alignment, antisway bar, adjustment of steering gear box. Nothing fixed it.
Had to replace the steering geer box. Now I can drive onthe highway with two fingers.
What does it cost to replace a steering box??
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i have 15k on my 250 and a lift. after an alignment that thing was all over the place. ford wouldn't even touch it. in the end, it was the extra steerign stablizer running horiz across the bottom that was rubbing on the axle. took it off, now it's just sloppy. the ford guy i know is going to give me a hard time about warranty, but the previous owner already complained once about sloppy steering and I have that receipt. can they be rebuilt? aftermarket?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
The problem with these boxes, in theory (as I've never opened up a "sloppy" one - until mine gets that way ) is that the spool valve has springs in it. The springs get weak over time, or even break. This valve controls the hydraulic pressure needed to push the steering back and forth. If the springs are weak, the wheel moves a lot and puts out more pressure than you realize, and it over-powers. Hence, the wander.
Rebuilding, very possible. Whether or not that's going to fix your problem, I have no idea ...
But check the "lash" in the box.
) is that the spool valve has springs in it. The springs get weak over time, or even break. This valve controls the hydraulic pressure needed to push the steering back and forth. If the springs are weak, the wheel moves a lot and puts out more pressure than you realize, and it over-powers. Hence, the wander.Rebuilding, very possible. Whether or not that's going to fix your problem, I have no idea ...
But check the "lash" in the box.
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I have an '03 SD F350 with the same steering woes. I have not tried the adjustment on the steering box yet, but will have that done. If I do end up replacing the gear box, does anyone have any recommendations on brands that they have had success with? I am very tired of weaving all over the road.
