steering problems
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 33
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steering problems
hi guys,
this site is great.here's my problem i have an early 99 f250 6spd 4x4 truck with a steering problem. the problem i have is i have to constantly correct the truck.the truck has what i call memory steeering.it won't center it self while going down the road. turn the wheel to the left and let it go and it won't center itself it will keep going to the left.same thing happens of you turn it to the right.i have had all new front end parts installed,three different alignment shops line up the front end.tightened and loosened the steering box and still doesn't go down the road the way i would like.anybody had this problem or can anyone give me any ideas on what many be wrong with my truck? i love this truck but if i can't get it to go down the road better i'll have to sell it. i have thought of swapping out the steering box but hate to buy one and install it and have the same problem
this site is great.here's my problem i have an early 99 f250 6spd 4x4 truck with a steering problem. the problem i have is i have to constantly correct the truck.the truck has what i call memory steeering.it won't center it self while going down the road. turn the wheel to the left and let it go and it won't center itself it will keep going to the left.same thing happens of you turn it to the right.i have had all new front end parts installed,three different alignment shops line up the front end.tightened and loosened the steering box and still doesn't go down the road the way i would like.anybody had this problem or can anyone give me any ideas on what many be wrong with my truck? i love this truck but if i can't get it to go down the road better i'll have to sell it. i have thought of swapping out the steering box but hate to buy one and install it and have the same problem
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo, MI
well, without inspecting it myself,
I'd say one or both of two things...
one or more ball joints are binding, or,
the front axle joints are binding
disconnect the steering linkage from both knuckles and try to swing them back & forth
They should move smoothly, without excessive effort. You'll know what excessive is if you see it.
I'd say one or both of two things...
one or more ball joints are binding, or,
the front axle joints are binding
disconnect the steering linkage from both knuckles and try to swing them back & forth
They should move smoothly, without excessive effort. You'll know what excessive is if you see it.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo, MI
Originally Posted by JRAYMOND
the truck has new u-joints but also has lockouts and i have tried the ball joints and they do move freely.anymore ideas? thanks john
Steering box.
they're known to be sloppy units.
heh heh - I said "unit"
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo, MI
I honestly couldn't tell you, but there are a couple ways to find out...
call a boneyard... they have an interchange manual especially for this stuff...
log onto NAPA or Carquest's online parts catalog... browse up & back a couple years and see if the part number changes
it's been my experience of the years that, when you adjust preload on a box with some miles on it, you actually cause the box to bind immediately to either side of the center of the gears, making it even more difficult to find center...
or for that matter, the centering valve could be toast and putting pressure on either side of the assist piston (this used to be real common on Dodges)
call a boneyard... they have an interchange manual especially for this stuff...
log onto NAPA or Carquest's online parts catalog... browse up & back a couple years and see if the part number changes
it's been my experience of the years that, when you adjust preload on a box with some miles on it, you actually cause the box to bind immediately to either side of the center of the gears, making it even more difficult to find center...
or for that matter, the centering valve could be toast and putting pressure on either side of the assist piston (this used to be real common on Dodges)
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 780
Likes: 1
From: Chicago suburbs
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 1
From: Farmington, Minnesota
I would bet it is the steering gear, I need to replace mine. I have tons of play and I'm always correcting the steer. Ya don't want to drive her if ya had a few, ya know what I mean (that is my Fargo accent)
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