Adjusted steering and now it wanders...
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From: High Point, NC
Adjusted steering and now it wanders...
I never really experienced the wandering that most people complain about - maybe it's just my driving, but my X always 'felt' like I tought it should. I did notice some play in the steering, I could wiggle the steering wheel bak and forth about 2-3 inches of travel, w/o significant response, so I decided to tighten the steering box as many have suggested.
I only adjusted the allen bolt about 3/4 - 1 full turn (my markings did stay due to the sweat dripping off of me - I should know better than to do something like this when it's 101* outside).
Now when I drive down the road, I feel some wandering and it feels like I have to 'jerk' the steering to get the truck back on the road. the steering doesn't feel 'too tight', but after driving for a short while it feels as if it 'sticks' a bit. Anyhow, I plan on loosening it up a little tonight (time permitting) by backing it off 1/4 to 1/2 and we'll see what happens.
As anyone else experienced this after the steering box adjustment?
I only adjusted the allen bolt about 3/4 - 1 full turn (my markings did stay due to the sweat dripping off of me - I should know better than to do something like this when it's 101* outside).
Now when I drive down the road, I feel some wandering and it feels like I have to 'jerk' the steering to get the truck back on the road. the steering doesn't feel 'too tight', but after driving for a short while it feels as if it 'sticks' a bit. Anyhow, I plan on loosening it up a little tonight (time permitting) by backing it off 1/4 to 1/2 and we'll see what happens.
As anyone else experienced this after the steering box adjustment?
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From: High Point, NC
Originally Posted by 1 Excursion camper
Do you have a rear sway bar on your X?
I'm nearly 100% sure I over tightened the steering box. I didn't get to it today, but maybe tomorrow.
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Its easy to "over-adjust" a steering box. If you get the mesh a little too tight the vehicle will continue to move in the direction of the last steering input, and never really track straight. You end up constantly correcting left, then right, then left...
One turn is ALOT. I'd definetly back it up and tweak it a 1/4 turn at a time until its just right.
One turn is ALOT. I'd definetly back it up and tweak it a 1/4 turn at a time until its just right.
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From: High Point, NC
Originally Posted by 676869Ford
Its easy to "over-adjust" a steering box. If you get the mesh a little too tight the vehicle will continue to move in the direction of the last steering input, and never really track straight. You end up constantly correcting left, then right, then left...
One turn is ALOT. I'd definetly back it up and tweak it a 1/4 turn at a time until its just right.
One turn is ALOT. I'd definetly back it up and tweak it a 1/4 turn at a time until its just right.
I finly got mine close to where I want it - at least for now. With warmer weather moving in, I do a little more tweaking. Plus I plan on adding the RoadMaster Active Suspension, so I will probably have to tweak it again after that.
jsduty - just do a search for 'steering box adjustment', it been discussed a lot and there are several post describing it (with pictures I think).
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From: Jamestown, NY
Originally Posted by 676869Ford
Its easy to "over-adjust" a steering box. If you get the mesh a little too tight the vehicle will continue to move in the direction of the last steering input, and never really track straight. You end up constantly correcting left, then right, then left...
One turn is ALOT. I'd definetly back it up and tweak it a 1/4 turn at a time until its just right.
One turn is ALOT. I'd definetly back it up and tweak it a 1/4 turn at a time until its just right.
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From: High Point, NC
Originally Posted by VaSheriff
Mark, you big dummy! 
As long as you have been around here I would think you knew
in advance the dangers of tightening the box too much!
As long as you have been around here I would think you knew
in advance the dangers of tightening the box too much!
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2008
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From: Apex , NC
Ok, I'm the new guy here. Pray tell what do I have to do to fix the wander issue. My 2005 X has this issue. I have a 99 250SD V10 with 112K that has always been solid. I just assumed the newer X had something different in the set up. Can someone provide a link with pictures of what I need to "tweek" sounds like a easy thing to fix, if you know where to look and make a 1/4 turn.
Thanks for the help.
APEXDUCK
Thanks for the help.
APEXDUCK
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From: High Point, NC
On top of the steering box (follow the shft down the the front of the truck) you'll see an adjustment bolt. It has an Allen head screw and a nut. You have to loosen the nut, then turn the Allen head.
As noted above - it's easy to overtighten (speaking from experience), so turn about 1/4, then retighten the nut; test drive and continue to adjust as needed.
If you do a search for 'Wander', you'll find tons of info.
Good Luck and Welcome to the Club! Check out the 'Excursion Meet' thread at the top (it's a sticky) - you should come join us.
As noted above - it's easy to overtighten (speaking from experience), so turn about 1/4, then retighten the nut; test drive and continue to adjust as needed.
If you do a search for 'Wander', you'll find tons of info.
Good Luck and Welcome to the Club! Check out the 'Excursion Meet' thread at the top (it's a sticky) - you should come join us.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
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From: Florida
For a point of reference...here is a photo of what Mark is talking about...
Notice the 4 pink striped bolts...the one to adjust is in the CENTER. The allen wrench fits in the center and there is a jamb nut over that...
Firewall in this photo should be to your right and radiator to the left...
Notice the 4 pink striped bolts...the one to adjust is in the CENTER. The allen wrench fits in the center and there is a jamb nut over that...
Firewall in this photo should be to your right and radiator to the left...