Steering wheel play/slop
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Dearborn Heights, MI
Steering wheel play/slop
I just purchased a used 2005 Expedition 4x4 w/67,000 miles. I've noticed a small amount of free play in the steering at speed. You don't notice it as much at a stop, but it's there. You can really feel it at 75mph with a side wind on the highway. It actually affects how you have to drive. I'm only talking about 1/4 or 5/8" but it's enough to change how you drive.
Do these trucks have rack in pinions or steering boxes on them. I haven't been under it to exactly look at it, other than the inspection at the dealer I did for leaks.
I've had dealings with older cars and bad steering boxes, and that is what this feels like, although not as bad as my old Cougar, it had about 3" of free play.
Any help or ideas on what I should look at or address to the dealer would be great.
Thanks,
Alan
Do these trucks have rack in pinions or steering boxes on them. I haven't been under it to exactly look at it, other than the inspection at the dealer I did for leaks.
I've had dealings with older cars and bad steering boxes, and that is what this feels like, although not as bad as my old Cougar, it had about 3" of free play.
Any help or ideas on what I should look at or address to the dealer would be great.
Thanks,
Alan
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 226
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I have a 97 Expy, I have a steering box on mine. I had it replaced about 4 years ago, because of a similar issue. I also had all the shocks replaced and seemed to help a lot with the handling and play in the steering. Good luck
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Dearborn Heights, MI
Steering
If I'm not mistaken this truck has a rack in pinion. The play feels like it would be between the wheel and the rack and not from the rack to the rotors.
I suppose it could be inner tie rods, but it feels just like a bad steering box feels.
I suppose it could be inner tie rods, but it feels just like a bad steering box feels.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Dearborn Heights, MI
After review
Well, after further review I've determined that the play is coming from inside the rack. I'm assuming it's wear. I guess I'll have to live with it until I decide to either have the rack rebuilt or swap it out for a new one. I doubt that the dealer I bought the truck from is going to do anything for me, and I'm pretty sure you can't adjust a rack like you can a steering box.
Thanks for the help.
Alan
Thanks for the help.
Alan
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2009
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There could be a couple different things causing your problem. The first thing I would look at would be the ball joints and tie rod ends. If those check out then I would also check the steering shaft, I have replaced some in different types of trucks that had similar problems to what you are saying. If that is ok also then I would check the steering box to see if it in good condition. Those would be the main things that would cause the symptoms that you are explaining.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Dearborn Heights, MI
Sorry
As noted above, this truck has rack in pinion steering. No steering box and related steering links.
The play is in the rack, with no movement seen on either end of the rack when the play in the steering wheel is being moved.
The play is in the rack, with no movement seen on either end of the rack when the play in the steering wheel is being moved.
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there is also a bolt from the steering colum to the steering input shaft the bolt tightens down on a slip sleeve. this is at the floor board covered by a plastic trim, just make sure its tight as well along with the rack and pinion
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