Steering problem (wheel jerks back and forth)
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
just an update date on my past problem, 10,000 mi down the road and all is good after replacing front right axle U-joint(seized) and right front wheel bearing(very noisey). Warn hub was in good shape and clean, just added a little more fresh grease. As a matter of PM I replaced ALL seals. Its worthy to note that the front diff tube dust seals have been redesigned because the original wear out quickly (both of mine were totally gone). I guess this means that this summer I'm tearing into the left side. Also highly recommend Spicer U-joints over joints like Precision (just don't seem to have the same level of quality as a Spicer but the Precision are CHEAP).
post # 218
New User
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
New User
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
I joints
Man, you guys are a wealth of knowledge. I was experiencing the crazy steering wheel jerking and this thread turned me on to the u joints...seized. Replaced. Fixed. Thank you all for the help. Joining this forum keeps being the best thing I've done since buying my excursion.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 9
From: Minnesota
Thanks for everyone’s input, at 316’xxx miles my 2000 Ex just started this steering issue as well.
Now I know what I’ll be doing next weekend!
where is everyone getting the new u-joints from?
Now I know what I’ll be doing next weekend!
where is everyone getting the new u-joints from?
New User
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Princeton
I just had to do this. U Joint was so frozen that I had to cut it out. Nearly bent my outer stub shaft. Did everything on the left side this time I’d take care of ball joints when you have it torn down that much already unless those are new. You usually need to change the hub seal every time you pull the axle those seals add up.
Went with spicer u joints from Amazon. Called around to some local parts stores and they wanted ~70 for one u joint.
Amazon was under 50. If you have Prime, only thing that occasionally beats them is RockAuto. That’s assuming you don’t need the part ASAP.
I used national seals and MOOG ball joints. Previous owner installed knurled ball joints so had to stick with that. Pretty easy job (just time consuming) if you have a shop press. If you don’t, I’d call around and find someone you can bring the axle to to have them change the u joint.
Went with spicer u joints from Amazon. Called around to some local parts stores and they wanted ~70 for one u joint.
Amazon was under 50. If you have Prime, only thing that occasionally beats them is RockAuto. That’s assuming you don’t need the part ASAP.
I used national seals and MOOG ball joints. Previous owner installed knurled ball joints so had to stick with that. Pretty easy job (just time consuming) if you have a shop press. If you don’t, I’d call around and find someone you can bring the axle to to have them change the u joint.
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3rd Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2000 EX with the V-10 and 135k miles. This is no typical steering/wandering problem so no need to reply with posts about springs, ball joints, tie rods, etc.
The front end jerks from left to right and you can take your hands off the steering wheel and see the wheel going right, left, right, left, etc. Sometimes it is worse than others and seems be get better when it warms up. It is impossible to control and looks like you might be drunk going down the road.
I searched posts for hours with no answers so it would be appreciated if someone knows what causes it. I did see a couple posts with the same problem but they had no answers.
There is something physically pushing the wheel left and right about once every second.
It's not the U-joints either because they are both spinning freely by hand and it is in 2 wheel drive. This problem comes and goes, sometimes it acts normal and sometimes the wheel almost violently jerks back and forth. It is usually worse when it is cold.
The front end jerks from left to right and you can take your hands off the steering wheel and see the wheel going right, left, right, left, etc. Sometimes it is worse than others and seems be get better when it warms up. It is impossible to control and looks like you might be drunk going down the road.
I searched posts for hours with no answers so it would be appreciated if someone knows what causes it. I did see a couple posts with the same problem but they had no answers.
There is something physically pushing the wheel left and right about once every second.
It's not the U-joints either because they are both spinning freely by hand and it is in 2 wheel drive. This problem comes and goes, sometimes it acts normal and sometimes the wheel almost violently jerks back and forth. It is usually worse when it is cold.
See if anything change.
If you notice things get better then you need new tires
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Rockauto and look for moog parts
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Stewart
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Guys,
I know this is an old thread but thanks for sharing all your experiences. As I read through this I thought for sure my problem was a pump or steering box. Then some started talking about front axle U joints and I thought "there's no way thats my problem.
As I was looking into changing my pump and steering box I found this video on how this often gets misdiagnosed. After watching it I checked my U joints and sure enough. One side of the right front axle u joint was seized just like in the video.
Thanks again for your help guys.
I know this is an old thread but thanks for sharing all your experiences. As I read through this I thought for sure my problem was a pump or steering box. Then some started talking about front axle U joints and I thought "there's no way thats my problem.
As I was looking into changing my pump and steering box I found this video on how this often gets misdiagnosed. After watching it I checked my U joints and sure enough. One side of the right front axle u joint was seized just like in the video.
Thanks again for your help guys.
New User
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Did you figure out what was causing it?
Did you ever figure out what the problem was?
may husband is experiencing the same exact thing.