hard steering ....

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Jul 17, 2008 | 10:53 AM

campinclan

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From: N.E Ohio

hard steering ....

I took my '04 F150 to the local shop for an oil change and lube job, when I got it back the steering is pretty tight and getting worse as I drive it, took it back to see what happened , mechanic had it for the day ,said he see nothing out of the ordinary (no leaks) , said he's talked with the ford garage and they are leaning towards rack and pinion .... any thoughts ??
Thanks ,
Campinclan

Jul 18, 2008 | 02:17 PM

thirsty99

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Here's a crazy thought. You didn't specify if your truck is 4x4 or 2x4. If it is 4x4 could it be possible the 4x4 selector was bumped to the 4hi or 4lo position? Just a thought.

Jul 18, 2008 | 03:33 PM

campinclan

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From: N.E Ohio

Thanks for the thought , 4x2 ......... been told the pump "normally" will either be good or bad , no intermittance, .ball joints?? , rack and pinion ?? , mechanic doesn't really seem to know where to start. Got in the truck today and it steered just find . Go figure .

Jul 18, 2008 | 03:53 PM

slc10844

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From: Baltimore

You might want to change the P/S fluid. I think Ford recommends ATF not regular power steering fluid.

Jul 18, 2008 | 03:59 PM

campinclan

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From: N.E Ohio

I suppose it's worth a try , just not sure what happened since the oil change , one day it steers good and the next you can't hardly turn the wheel . no leaks to be seen

Thanks for the reply !!

Jul 19, 2008 | 06:05 AM

FX4Jim3

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Check and lubercate the U-joints on the steering column.
That what was wrong with mine.
cost less than a rack and pinion

Jul 19, 2008 | 08:51 AM

campinclan

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From: N.E Ohio

worth a try , sounds like it COULD be an easy fix, fingers crossed

Thanks for the info,

Campinclan

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Jul 23, 2008 | 06:01 PM

campinclan

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From: N.E Ohio

FX4Jim3,
GOOD JOB, You The Man !!!!
U joint in the column was the problem , replaced sterring column a WHOLE lot cheaper than a rack.
Would like to thank you ALL for the replies, I believed the mechanic used your input as well for for a starting point
Thank again ,
Campinclan

Jul 24, 2008 | 07:26 PM

#10

baitmaster

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From: nevada

Jeez, the U joint was worn out already? Guess they better put a zerk fitting on them.

Jul 24, 2008 | 08:11 PM

#11

campinclan

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From: N.E Ohio

Pretty small u-joint, not sure there would be room to get a grease gun in there. Ford garage had them in stock, looks like it's been happening more and more ..........