Wondering Steering
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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You need to find a GOOD front end tech.Fords specs for alignment are a pretty wide window.Have him check that it is dead on to the desired specs and not just within the allowable window. We run E450 cutaway busses and this has solved many a drivers complaints. Also I like to dial in the max allowable caster with 0 degree split makes for better steering feel. Don't give up on fixing this as it could be a dangerous issue no one has found we run these old girls 400,000 miles and unless there is problem the steering feels pretty good.
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Posting Guru
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Originally Posted by barnym17
You need to find a GOOD front end tech.Fords specs for alignment are a pretty wide window.Have him check that it is dead on to the desired specs and not just within the allowable window. We run E450 cutaway busses and this has solved many a drivers complaints. Also I like to dial in the max allowable caster with 0 degree split makes for better steering feel. Don't give up on fixing this as it could be a dangerous issue no one has found we run these old girls 400,000 miles and unless there is problem the steering feels pretty good.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 783
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From: Nova Scotia
Sorry I didn't see this thread before you went to that spring shop...I would've suggested tightening the steering box. If it's binding then the guy tightened it too much. There's a setscrew and a nut that locks it on top of your box (can't see it but can feel it and access it). The nut is 5/8 and the setscrew is 3/16. Lossen the nut and back the setscrew off 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn (counterclockwise). Tighten up the lock nut (doesn't have to be super- torqued) and go for a test spin... make sure to test the steering lock to lock as that is where it will tend to bind first.
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Yah I want to try that, but I really dont know how to do that. I just want to find a guy that just fixes it, and doesnt give me this long speach about how he fixed it, and then I get into it, and its the same exact thing, and then when I go back to complain they say "oh well it aint going to get any better than that, FORDS are notorious for bad steering", which is the technicians favorite excuse to pull out is the "notorious" word because it covers there *** for not fixing it and not refunding there nothing they fixed. Its very stressful for me and i just hate dealing with people when it comes to this problem.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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The steering gear back lash could be off, the correct way to set it per Ford is to remove the low pressure line , drain the fluid, remove the pitman arm connection at the drag link,Then with the horn cover off and an inch lbs. tourque wrench set it to take 16 inch lbs. effort to turn past center.An easier way if you are comfortable with your skills is to loosen the jam nut on top of the box and while grasping the steering shaft tighten the allen wrench till you feel the play gone while turning the shafft back and forth with your hand.Then tighten the jam nut. However this is a job if you are not confident it is best done by a pro because to tight can cause the box to bind up.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,676
Likes: 20
From: Pine Level NC
My Jeep KJ came with urethane bushing stock w/tow package and the only thing I have against them is that when it gets cold they squeak alot.
Also I just bought an 89 Bronco and although I didn't think it pbut it has worse steering than my 80 E150 did. I have replaced all the tie rods andtie rod ends, replaced the shocks and it got a little better well one set on the front anyway, I'm waiting to do my lift on the front (just 2") before do the other set.
Also need to pack bearings but I'm not going to Hijack this thread with questions about that.
Dave
Also I just bought an 89 Bronco and although I didn't think it pbut it has worse steering than my 80 E150 did. I have replaced all the tie rods andtie rod ends, replaced the shocks and it got a little better well one set on the front anyway, I'm waiting to do my lift on the front (just 2") before do the other set.
Also need to pack bearings but I'm not going to Hijack this thread with questions about that.
Dave
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Joined: Dec 2007
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I have a 97 psd 4x4 with the same stearing problem. just wondering if you checked the track bar bushings... i replaced mine and it made a big difference. sitll have a little play but it seems to be in the stearing shaft now...
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Posting Guru
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You would think out of the ten mechanics I brought it to that they prob have checked it, it must just the general age of the truck causing it. I bitched out the place that fix the truck, heres what they wrote back to me. I spent $1,000 on this service and nothing fixed it.
Mike,
I'm sorry you are disappointed with the work done to your 1995 F350 truck.
We replaced two ball joints on the right side, drag link, and adjusting sleeve. We also sleeved both sides and aligned your front end.
Palmer Spring performed this work on October 16, 2007 and at that time we informed you that you had other problems. The truck pulls when accelerating and braking and that you may have a tire problem. You had us do the front end work, however you did not have us get into the other problem areas.
On October 17th 2007 you brought the truck back to recheck the truck and we informed you that the heavy springs and the stiff sidewalls of the tires were causing your choppy ride.
There is nothing wrong the workmanship that we performed on your truck, however your thirteen year old truck with 132,070 miles on it still needs more work in order to ride properly.
Please call us if you would like us to correct the rest of your problems.
Sincerely,
David E. Weeks
President
What a bunch of b.s^^
Heres what I wrote back:
Thank you for response.
The point is this, I brought the truck to you guys originally to cure the problem of the wondering steering, and I was told with 100% confidence that the work performed would completely fix the problem. It wasn't till after the work was completed, that all the excuses came out of the book to convince me that there was still more to do. The tires on the truck are brand new, they would play little to do with any steering problems, I expect that. But I almost knew instantly when I got into the truck after the service work, and felt the steering wheel without the truck even being started, that the play in the wheel was still there. I didn't understand how that was possible, and without any explanation, and a mere shrug off, I just left knowing my argument would not go anywhere. Again, I was told repetitively by your mechanics that Ford trucks are known for wondering steering, they had no clue what else it could be. So I find it poor judgment for your business to try and fix a problem you couldn't fix. Also, to attribute a $1,000 of work to hard springs and tires is no way of justifying your reasoning for the bad steering. If that was the case in the first place, then I should have been told it's not worth trying to fix anything on your truck, it is was it is. Instead, the work was carried out; the problem was not solved nor could be found, and left one unhappy customer.
Mike,
I'm sorry you are disappointed with the work done to your 1995 F350 truck.
We replaced two ball joints on the right side, drag link, and adjusting sleeve. We also sleeved both sides and aligned your front end.
Palmer Spring performed this work on October 16, 2007 and at that time we informed you that you had other problems. The truck pulls when accelerating and braking and that you may have a tire problem. You had us do the front end work, however you did not have us get into the other problem areas.
On October 17th 2007 you brought the truck back to recheck the truck and we informed you that the heavy springs and the stiff sidewalls of the tires were causing your choppy ride.
There is nothing wrong the workmanship that we performed on your truck, however your thirteen year old truck with 132,070 miles on it still needs more work in order to ride properly.
Please call us if you would like us to correct the rest of your problems.
Sincerely,
David E. Weeks
President
What a bunch of b.s^^
Heres what I wrote back:
Thank you for response.
The point is this, I brought the truck to you guys originally to cure the problem of the wondering steering, and I was told with 100% confidence that the work performed would completely fix the problem. It wasn't till after the work was completed, that all the excuses came out of the book to convince me that there was still more to do. The tires on the truck are brand new, they would play little to do with any steering problems, I expect that. But I almost knew instantly when I got into the truck after the service work, and felt the steering wheel without the truck even being started, that the play in the wheel was still there. I didn't understand how that was possible, and without any explanation, and a mere shrug off, I just left knowing my argument would not go anywhere. Again, I was told repetitively by your mechanics that Ford trucks are known for wondering steering, they had no clue what else it could be. So I find it poor judgment for your business to try and fix a problem you couldn't fix. Also, to attribute a $1,000 of work to hard springs and tires is no way of justifying your reasoning for the bad steering. If that was the case in the first place, then I should have been told it's not worth trying to fix anything on your truck, it is was it is. Instead, the work was carried out; the problem was not solved nor could be found, and left one unhappy customer.
Last edited by FordF350Baby; Jan 1, 2008 at 06:51 PM.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,676
Likes: 20
From: Pine Level NC
That's usually the way it goes. Good luck in getting them to do something.
Here are a few more things I was told to check and how.
Check the bolts and the frame rail where the steering box bolts up.
Sometimes the bol;ts come loose. Also check that the frame is not cracked
at that point.
Have someone sit in the truck and turn the wheel, watch where the upper shaft goes into the rag joint for play there.Watch the intermiate shaft where it goes to the box
if it is moving and the pitman arm is not guess what.
I'll be right back I have to go finish bringing my Jeep in and putting it on ramps.
Dave
Here are a few more things I was told to check and how.
Check the bolts and the frame rail where the steering box bolts up.
Sometimes the bol;ts come loose. Also check that the frame is not cracked
at that point.
Have someone sit in the truck and turn the wheel, watch where the upper shaft goes into the rag joint for play there.Watch the intermiate shaft where it goes to the box
if it is moving and the pitman arm is not guess what.
I'll be right back I have to go finish bringing my Jeep in and putting it on ramps.
Dave
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Posting Guru
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But howcome these arnt steps techs are doing when the truck comes into their shops? I would not feel comfortable diagnosing a problem until something extremely evident to me was wrong, otherwise I would just pass the project on and tell the customer I couldnt find the problem. After i brought the truck to that spring shop, I brought it back to the dealer for another follow up appointment to give them another crack at the problem, and finally I get a call 2 days later, and the guy says "we took it for a ride, and thats as good as its going to get, shes an older truck and they tend to drive like that", so If the dealer cant even pinpoint perfection, what else do i honestly have left. I cant afford to bring this truck to one more tech to only have it partially fixed again for probably another $500 minimum.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,676
Likes: 20
From: Pine Level NC
Sorry I'm back,
Blew an H3 bulb trying to show my wife her new backup lights
and naturally had to find another one.
Anyway,
These are all things I have learned from several other guys in the past
few months of owning a big truck.
Where are you anyway?
Dave
PS
I'm not trying to blow you off or anything try posting for help in the New England
Chapter. Maybe there is someone close to you that maybe able ro either come look at it or suggest a shop.
Let me know how you make out.
Blew an H3 bulb trying to show my wife her new backup lights
and naturally had to find another one.
Anyway,
These are all things I have learned from several other guys in the past
few months of owning a big truck.
Where are you anyway?
Dave
PS
I'm not trying to blow you off or anything try posting for help in the New England
Chapter. Maybe there is someone close to you that maybe able ro either come look at it or suggest a shop.
Let me know how you make out.
Last edited by 80351; Jan 1, 2008 at 09:08 PM. Reason: add info
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 218
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From: Douglasville,GA
Originally Posted by FordF350Baby
I just seem to be the victim of disrespect. I am sick and tired of being treated like a fool. I brought my truck to that damn spring shop to get my floppy steering wheel fixed and aligned. And they came up with both right side ball joints, and 3 piece drag link, and the alignment to fix the problem. they said it would 100% fix the problem. I get a call today that says "hey mike your trucks all set, our mechanic said it drives pretty straight down the road, but it still sort of pulls in either direction. My faced dropped, and I said i be right there. In the back of my head, I am saying to myself, if its still doing that, then you didnt fix it, I am not going to pay you $1100 for nothing. So I took it for a spin, and when I came back i asked to speak to the mechanic, he came over, and was like "ya i drove her down the road, and i wasnt impressed".....Now doesnt that tell you something....Wouldnt that mean you have not found my problem. so I said how bout you tighten down on that gearbox, so he did, and it helped, but to the point where it began to bind up. So we seem to be heading in the right direction now, it seems to be gearbox related, not the other parts they replaced. The jerk off mechanic kept saying Fords are notorious for loose steering, but I couldnt beleive my hearing, thats why i came to you to fix it, to get it taken care of, not charge me $1100 and have no result. I think guys its my gearbox, even tho its only 6 months old, it was a remanufactured one from Advance Auto Parts, and I think it was a junk one, so I think a new one from FORD, will fix it, and these jackasses can refun me all the money they made me spend for fixing stuff that wasnt even the route of the problem. sorry for vent, I just cant stand mechanics that dont respect people who are paying money to get stuff fixed.
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 186
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From: Gallipolis, Ohio
TJC: I agree with you 100%! I took 2 years of tech school for auto mechanics, JUST so I wouldn't have to pay someone else to do it! (plus, it got me out of the high school and let me do something I like to do). And, a few people actually pay me to work on their cars! I don't charge much at all, some times just a case of beer! WORKS FOR ME!!!
FordF350Baby: All though you may or may not know much about the mechanics of a vehicle,, your local parts stores sell repair books for everything! get one, follow their instructions, ask around, and you'll be fine. If you don't think you can do it your self,, find a buddy to help a little bit. Find a library and read through their service manuals too!
You wouldn't believe how easy alot of things are to do your self!! Hope this helps ya!
My $.02
FordF350Baby: All though you may or may not know much about the mechanics of a vehicle,, your local parts stores sell repair books for everything! get one, follow their instructions, ask around, and you'll be fine. If you don't think you can do it your self,, find a buddy to help a little bit. Find a library and read through their service manuals too!
You wouldn't believe how easy alot of things are to do your self!! Hope this helps ya!
My $.02
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 17
From: Hesperia, CA
I had a friend that was killed on his motorcycle because of a mechanics mistake. I learned a valuable lesson. I never let anyone work on my bike except me from then on. I decided that if I was going to get killed because of a mechanical failure it was going to be my mistake, not some one else's. I purposely drive older vehicles so that I can do all of the work myself. If I am unsure of something I can always look it up in the service manual. If not then there is the Internet. Just Goggle anything you have a question on and you will get dozens of answers. Sometimes there will be step by step instructions with photographs. I wouldn't be afraid to tackle anything. You just need to have a little confidence in yourself.