I am trying to determine what the problem may be with my 78 f250 4wd. The steering works effortlessly with no significant whining or other noise from the power steering. The problem I am having is that the steering does not return to straight ahead after rounding a corner. I am wondering if it is binding in the ball joints or links or if it is in the power steering pump. I have no history on this truck and was wondering where you think I should start in determining what is causing this problem.
Thanks in advance
Greg C

 

Typically a steering system that does not return to center has a severe caster problem. Too much and the steering becomes slow and will stay in a certain direction. Have you made any suspension modifications, oe extended the shackles in an attempt to achieve more lift?
You could have a ball joint isssue, but I believe that you would feel resistance in the wheel. The same is true for the pump.
However, you could have an incorrectly adjusted box. If someone tried to adjust it by running down the adjustment screw, and has it too tight, this could cause this too.

 

No suspension mods. I will try adjusting the power steering pump and see what difference if any there is. Thanks

 

thats what id look at first.

 

Maby a froze up axle u joint ?

 

Had a friend who had the same problem, his was so bad you could turn the wheel and go in circles all day in a parking lot. The wheels were toed out by at least a half inch when he bought it, and he just thought it was made that way. A few turns of the tie rod ends and it would center like a champ again.

A front end alignment is a good starting point, and it never hurts to know that it's right, even if it doesn't fix the problem. The worst that will happen is your tires start to wear properly. The shop can spot things on the lift that would be a pain to look for on the ground in front of the house.

 

I vote for front axle joints.

 

I had a steering box go bad on me once and it did the same thing. I tried adjusting it with no luck. I finally took it to the Ford dealer and they said the box was failed. They replaced the box and it was fine after that.

 

my truck is doing same thing right now. steers with no probloms turn a corner the steering wheel doesnt spin back around on it own. took to shop top ball joint is almost lock up. two hundred to put on upper and lower ball joint. 93 4x4 ranger. good luck