steering problems
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steering problems
I have a 2004 F250 SD 6.0 and when driving down the road it sometimes drifts to one side or the other. When I steer to correct it the wheel seems to move quite a bit before it corrects. This is exagerated when I am towing my 31ft fifth wheel. Any suggestions on how to fix this?
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From: Stephensville WI
A lot of things could cause this. Let's see if we can narrow the list down.
Do you notice any other symptoms, like unusual noises or uneven tire wear?
Is your truck stock or lifted? Are your tires stock size?
Have you had any recent work done on your truck, especially the front suspension?
What is your front and rear tire pressure?
Do you notice any other symptoms, like unusual noises or uneven tire wear?
Is your truck stock or lifted? Are your tires stock size?
Have you had any recent work done on your truck, especially the front suspension?
What is your front and rear tire pressure?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
Well, with that many miles, you should either rebuild your front suspension or take it to a shop and have it done.
Super Duty trucks are hard on steering components. Oversized tires add more strain. Ball joints, steering boxes, tie rod ends and all should be checked and replaced as needed.
Also, alignment is critical. Too much negative castor can create steering that feels light and wanders, with no "return to center" feeling.
As one menber recently found out, the front 4x4 hubs can also fail and create what feels like worn suspension or bad steering, but this usually involves a pull in the direction of the bad hub, especially when accelerating.
Lastly, tire pressure can be a factor. Too much pressure can cause the front tires to ride with rounded contact patches, erasing your "on center" feel.
Super Duty trucks are hard on steering components. Oversized tires add more strain. Ball joints, steering boxes, tie rod ends and all should be checked and replaced as needed.
Also, alignment is critical. Too much negative castor can create steering that feels light and wanders, with no "return to center" feeling.
As one menber recently found out, the front 4x4 hubs can also fail and create what feels like worn suspension or bad steering, but this usually involves a pull in the direction of the bad hub, especially when accelerating.
Lastly, tire pressure can be a factor. Too much pressure can cause the front tires to ride with rounded contact patches, erasing your "on center" feel.
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I have ordered new shocks. Would it be benificial to replace all steering components or just the ones worn out?
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From: Stephensville WI
Sure, if you search the threads here using the SEARCH tools, you'll find a lot of threads and some good write-ups on replacing things like hubs, ball joints and other components.
Some of the stuff requires you to have special tools to work on them, but a lot of parts stores have discount rentals available.
But, first I would try doing the free stuff. Drop your air pressure in the front tires 5-10 pounds, see if it doesn't help.
Some of the stuff requires you to have special tools to work on them, but a lot of parts stores have discount rentals available.
But, first I would try doing the free stuff. Drop your air pressure in the front tires 5-10 pounds, see if it doesn't help.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
It might. That is another component of the steering system (the stock stabilizer) that has proven to be inadequate.
Or, it might amplify your problem. It's really hard to say until you find out exactly what is causing your symptoms.
Or, it might amplify your problem. It's really hard to say until you find out exactly what is causing your symptoms.
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
Nittos are usually pretty good tires, but I have had one tire go "bad" and cause problems. On my last truck, the problem was wandering and pulling to the right. Replacing the one tire (actually putting it on the rear) made the truck feel like I had rebuilt the entire front end.
It's another free thing you can try, rotating the tires, to see if that might be the problem but based on yuor complaints I doubt it.
It's another free thing you can try, rotating the tires, to see if that might be the problem but based on yuor complaints I doubt it.
