Big problem, need help ASAP!
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: NY, CT, MA
Big problem, need help ASAP!
I just installed a procomp 6.5" lift on my 04 F250SD.
I put on some 40" mud grapplers and ever since my steering squeaks BAD when i turn the wheel. Its progressively getting worse! I though it was Power steering so i went a bought some fluid and checked the level. Its fine! I was changing my oil when i noticed that the right (what i think is the pitman arm) pitman arm is almost totally off the tie rod! Its the curved piece that comes down and connects to the u bar that connects to the other rod on the other side of the car. If you drain the oil it drips on the "U" bar, This connection is about to slide right off on the right side! this is my steering, right? what do i do? I tried to loosen the bolt and maybe get it back on myself, but its pretty tough to do, do i need to get it towed outa here to get it fixed?
I put on some 40" mud grapplers and ever since my steering squeaks BAD when i turn the wheel. Its progressively getting worse! I though it was Power steering so i went a bought some fluid and checked the level. Its fine! I was changing my oil when i noticed that the right (what i think is the pitman arm) pitman arm is almost totally off the tie rod! Its the curved piece that comes down and connects to the u bar that connects to the other rod on the other side of the car. If you drain the oil it drips on the "U" bar, This connection is about to slide right off on the right side! this is my steering, right? what do i do? I tried to loosen the bolt and maybe get it back on myself, but its pretty tough to do, do i need to get it towed outa here to get it fixed?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
The long bar that is coupled to the tie rod, and the pitman arm is called the drag link, and these do fail.
I suspect that the fasteners itself is still tight, and that the ball is trying to pop right out of the socket. Disgression will determine whether or not the thing is safe to drive.
This component is not that expensive to replace, and you can perform this on the side of the road or trail, but is much easier to perform at home, or shop.
while you are there, you should also verify, and inspect all of the other ends. This will include the tie rod (long rod that connects the two front wheels together), and the upper Drag link end that attaches to the pitman arm on the steering box.
This is also a good time to inspect the wheel bearings for excessive play, as well as the ball joints.
Get this drag ink replaced if it about to fall off. If you lose this link, you lose your steering, and you will have no control over the steering at all.
Not fun. Good luck
I suspect that the fasteners itself is still tight, and that the ball is trying to pop right out of the socket. Disgression will determine whether or not the thing is safe to drive.
This component is not that expensive to replace, and you can perform this on the side of the road or trail, but is much easier to perform at home, or shop.
while you are there, you should also verify, and inspect all of the other ends. This will include the tie rod (long rod that connects the two front wheels together), and the upper Drag link end that attaches to the pitman arm on the steering box.
This is also a good time to inspect the wheel bearings for excessive play, as well as the ball joints.
Get this drag ink replaced if it about to fall off. If you lose this link, you lose your steering, and you will have no control over the steering at all.
Not fun. Good luck
