97 350 4X problem
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
97 350 4X problem
my 97 350 4X4 manual locking hubs has developed a problem in the steering. When turning a tight right or left turn the front end will not recover. you have to force it straight. I have experienced this in cars where a ball joint is or other component is loose. I have seen it happen with bad wheel bearings. Everything is tight. Bearings show no wear. power steering growls a bit, but it has alway growled. is there a way to check the pressure relief? PS fluid does smell smoked and is dirty: Going out to change it see if that helps.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
The tires straighting out is caused by Caster, the center line of the knuckle is tilted so the tires will remain straight at speeds.
Lifts and failing balljoints are the main causes for your problem. It is possible that bushings have warn enough to cause a slight problem, I would still lean towards balljoints. A good alignment shop can check your caster, camber and toe in.
Lifts and failing balljoints are the main causes for your problem. It is possible that bushings have warn enough to cause a slight problem, I would still lean towards balljoints. A good alignment shop can check your caster, camber and toe in.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I had one ball joint that was bad replaced it. the other is tight. the strange part of the equation is the sudden onset. 2 to 3 weeks and the problem has been getting worse. just took it for a drive. when the steering hangs it takes a 1/4 to 1/2 rotation of the wheel to get it to straighten out. it is more obvious when it is warm or run through a complete steering range cold. no leaks on the power steering. could shocks cause it or just caster?
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
If the steering stabilizer is damaged/bent it could cause some trouble. Non auto correcting is almost always an issue related to caster.
Have you had anything done to other than the one ball joint?
Have you had anything done to other than the one ball joint?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
no other changes. course.. packed the bearings..when i put it back together. looked at the pitman arm this afternoon..may be hallucinating but it appeared loose. tried moving it and it did not budge. hmmmmm. is that possible?
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Your suspension should be shot if the splines on the pitman are warn. There is a nut under the pitman arm, if you can give it afew turns the arm had dropped some. However that shouldn't stop it from correcting unless it is hitting something.
It's about to turn 10 years old, I would estimate 150K miles (national average and all, you probabily have a lot more.) It wouldn't be a waist to have your front end rebuilt, tie rods, drag link, ball joints, leaf spring bushings. New spindle bearings wouldn't hurt either if they have never been done.
It's about to turn 10 years old, I would estimate 150K miles (national average and all, you probabily have a lot more.) It wouldn't be a waist to have your front end rebuilt, tie rods, drag link, ball joints, leaf spring bushings. New spindle bearings wouldn't hurt either if they have never been done.
