Wierd Steering Problem
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New User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12
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From: Upstate,NY
Wierd Steering Problem
I just replaced the ball joints in my 01 f250SD 4x4. Now I have this steering issue. It's not really a wander but when driving and you turn a corner it does not seem to want to come back straight and once it does it seems to want to go the other direction. Sometimes it will correct it's self and drive fine. does anyone out there have any suggestions?? I have been chasing this problem ever since it put the ball joints in. Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,092
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From: San Diego, CA
x2. I'm coming up on some ball joint work and most of what I've read has said it takes some time to break in the new joints. I don't know what brand you use but some have said it takes 1-2K miles before it loosens up and rides nice...
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
Yes it has been talked about a few times especially with the MOOG joints. They start off a little stiff and take a while to break in, then the steering will return to normal.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
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From: Scio, OR
If you have the problem with the front hubs unlocked, I don't see how it could be the front axle u-joints.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
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I just did the same job you did, I have stiffness in the steering also. This is due to the ball joints being stiff-as-hell. They will wear in, just bear with it.
I called MOOG a week ago and they stated that the joints are made with tesion to promote better break-in.
I called MOOG a week ago and they stated that the joints are made with tesion to promote better break-in.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 419
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BTW: there are some things you can do to combat the stiff steering.
1. find a nice, quiet country road, drive slowly and steer the living hell out of it. Mine felt pretty good after about 5 miles of steering-craziness.
2. Jack the truck up and pump more grease into the joints.
3. Remove your steering stabilizer for a little while until the joints wear in. It will make the stiffness less harsh.
In the end, they will wear in. I have about 200 miles on mine now and they are a little stiff still.
1. find a nice, quiet country road, drive slowly and steer the living hell out of it. Mine felt pretty good after about 5 miles of steering-craziness.
2. Jack the truck up and pump more grease into the joints.
3. Remove your steering stabilizer for a little while until the joints wear in. It will make the stiffness less harsh.
In the end, they will wear in. I have about 200 miles on mine now and they are a little stiff still.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,022
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From: Redford, Mi.
Actually that's not correct, even with the hubs unlocked if the front U joint spins at all and ends up so when you turn the seized joint won't want to let the wheel turn or return until it is forced to move(hence the hard turning pressure) or it spins ever so slightly so it will turn. Unless it is frozen in both directions and if that's the case it will give your steering fits.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
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Actually that's not correct, even with the hubs unlocked if the front U joint spins at all and ends up so when you turn the seized joint won't want to let the wheel turn or return until it is forced to move(hence the hard turning pressure) or it spins ever so slightly so it will turn. Unless it is frozen in both directions and if that's the case it will give your steering fits.
If the u-joint is siezed, the axle shaft will adjust speed when the knuckle is moved as its not mechanically connected in the hub if the hub is unlocked. All in all, if the hubs are verified "unlocked" you won't feel any feedback from them if they are siezed or not unless it's in 4x4.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,022
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From: Redford, Mi.
Actually, it is correct as there is NO mechanical link driving the axle shaft when the hubs are unlocked, just friction. Any motion from the knuckle is either going to cause the u-joint to slow down or speed up to get past the "binding" point.
If the u-joint is seized, the axle shaft will adjust speed when the knuckle is moved as its not mechanically connected in the hub if the hub is unlocked. All in all, if the hubs are verified "unlocked" you won't feel any feedback from them if they are seized or not unless it's in 4x4.
If the u-joint is seized, the axle shaft will adjust speed when the knuckle is moved as its not mechanically connected in the hub if the hub is unlocked. All in all, if the hubs are verified "unlocked" you won't feel any feedback from them if they are seized or not unless it's in 4x4.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
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i had the same steering problem. it pulled be left of center then i corrected it but then it threw me off the road into a damn ditch. no damage to the truck or anything but i drove it to the dealership and told them to fix it. it turned out to be the front U-joints were bad and they replaced both sides. that's what you need to do is replace your front U-joints ASAP.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
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From: Scio, OR
Sorry but I don't agree, if the joint is seized it will hold up the turning of the hub because it is going through the hub, supported by bearings. If it is stuck in position by a frozen joint when you try to turn against the frozen position it will play havoc with your steering. Had the problem on my ex Bronco, if the seized joint turned at all it would grossly affect how straight the truck went and how it turned.