Steering question
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Haverhill, MA
Steering question
Over the last couple weeks my truck has begun to wander in the lane while driving. Very hard the keep a straight track. With my wife inside and me underneath and the truck running she rocked the wheel and I looked for any loose joints. Everything looked good except the joint where the pitman arm connects to the rest of the steering.....there was joint movement there. I brought it to the dealer and mentioned the pitman arm. They said everything was tight. Truck still wanders and the joint still has movement. Question: Is there suppose to be movement there? Is it suppose to be tight like the tie-rod ends? Or does the dealed have a bunch of dopes working there? Thanks for your help. Rock on.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Wait until you see an on coming truck with broken tie rod ends. Tires pointing in three directions, but still coming towards you.
Simple rule of thumb, if you can move it by hand replace it.
Simple rule of thumb, if you can move it by hand replace it.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Buena Vista VA
Originally Posted by ReAX
Wait until you see an on coming truck with broken tie rod ends. Tires pointing in three directions, but still coming towards you.
Simple rule of thumb, if you can move it by hand replace it.
Simple rule of thumb, if you can move it by hand replace it.
yes i agree 100 %
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,992
Likes: 2
From: Lancaster, MA
I had an '87 Ram that must have had well over 4 inches (I think) of play in the steering wheel. When I test drove it around town it was fine, but on the highway is was a moving deathtrap. I sold it two days later. I steer very clear of every Ram that lookes like it. They were notorious for terrible steering problems.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Haverhill, MA
Originally Posted by EFF250
Over the last couple weeks my truck has begun to wander in the lane while driving. Very hard the keep a straight track. With my wife inside and me underneath and the truck running she rocked the wheel and I looked for any loose joints. Everything looked good except the joint where the pitman arm connects to the rest of the steering.....there was joint movement there. I brought it to the dealer and mentioned the pitman arm. They said everything was tight. Truck still wanders and the joint still has movement. Question: Is there suppose to be movement there? Is it suppose to be tight like the tie-rod ends? Or does the dealed have a bunch of dopes working there? Thanks for your help. Rock on.
Conclusion: YOU know your truck better than anyone. If something dosen't "feel" right, it probably isn't.....in spite of what the "experts" at the dealer say. Rock on.