Intermittent Steering Ghost
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,405
Likes: 4
Intermittent Steering Ghost
I have a VERY intermittent steering problem with my 2002 F250 7.3. After making a right turn, the wheel will not go back to center easily. Then the wheel will jerk to the left just hard enough for the truck to track off. I can center the wheel, but it just tugs to the left again. It will continue until I stop the truck.
I can not reproduce the problem on demand. It has happened less than 5 times in the last 3 months. The garage aligned it two weeks ago, but it happened again this morning. When it happens, the truck is nearly uncontrollable. The tires are almost new.
Is there a component in the steering box that can fail and cause this type of intermittent issue?
I can not reproduce the problem on demand. It has happened less than 5 times in the last 3 months. The garage aligned it two weeks ago, but it happened again this morning. When it happens, the truck is nearly uncontrollable. The tires are almost new.
Is there a component in the steering box that can fail and cause this type of intermittent issue?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
I am thinking along the lines of a binding caliper. Could be something with the right turn that is causingthe left caliper to bind up and when you come to a stop, it allows it to release.
The other thing I would look at, if it is a 4x4 is to make sure the hub is released and not catching the drive axel. Then make sure your t-case is fully releasing out of 4x4. If no 4x4 then check bearings. Jack up the front end by the suspension and have a buddy turn the wheel left and right to see if you can spot anything catching. Could be a binding joint somewhere like the tie rods, a-arms, etc.
The other thing I would look at, if it is a 4x4 is to make sure the hub is released and not catching the drive axel. Then make sure your t-case is fully releasing out of 4x4. If no 4x4 then check bearings. Jack up the front end by the suspension and have a buddy turn the wheel left and right to see if you can spot anything catching. Could be a binding joint somewhere like the tie rods, a-arms, etc.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
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I did find a bad U-joint yesterday on the left. I've only driven a couple miles since, but so far so good. Couldn't find anything else wrong. I didn't think the U-joint would cause an issue in 2wd?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 215
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From: Michigan
A friend of mine's '99 did the same thing. It was all over the road caused by stuck u-joints even when in 2wd.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
Likes: 207
From: La La Land
Though I don't know the intricacies of the power steering box, it sounds like you are describing a problem that can also be caused by intermittent internal hydraulic valving problems. A complete change of power steering fluid may help. How long since it's been changed?
Most here recommend Mobil 1 synthetic ATF as the new fluid. It takes from three to four quarts to pump out all the old and replace, and there's a written procedure here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ml#post8338085
It may help. Then again....
Pop
Most here recommend Mobil 1 synthetic ATF as the new fluid. It takes from three to four quarts to pump out all the old and replace, and there's a written procedure here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ml#post8338085
It may help. Then again....
Pop
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
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UPDATE - The problem still exists. Replacing the bad U-joint did nothing. I am going after the steering box next.
Thanks to everyone for the advise. When I find the problem I will post it here.
Thanks to everyone for the advise. When I find the problem I will post it here.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,361
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U-Joints. Front ones.
I had the same problem as you. There was a massive thread dedicated to it. Got the truck aligned, threw in a RedHead steering box, new PS pump, all helped but didn't stop it. Finally, U-joints solved the issue. No problems since.
I had the same problem as you. There was a massive thread dedicated to it. Got the truck aligned, threw in a RedHead steering box, new PS pump, all helped but didn't stop it. Finally, U-joints solved the issue. No problems since.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
I'm the one that had the marathon thread and Pinky and I were going nuts. Here read this;
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post8768063
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post8768063
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
I was just gonna start a new thread mine is doing almost the same thing.lol.Just started the other day.When i make a right turn and straighten out the trucks dosen't jerk but it is almost like the power steering went out .Steering is real hard to turn back and forth and it pulls real heavy to the right.If i let go of the steering wheel it will go right into the right lane.But then if i drive a mile or so it will stop.Only happens 1 day but not everyday.So does this sound like a bad u joint?