Touchy Steering
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Touchy Steering
I just got a 99 XLT Expedition with 30K mile on it.
It sat for 5 years.
Tires were dry rotted so I got new tires on it.
The steering is real touchy.
The dealer states that its a common problem and there is no cure for it.
A mechanic told me that he heard that the cause is the front-end alignment and needs to be a negative -1 degree caster to fix the problem.
Anybody else have this problem? How did you fix it?
It sat for 5 years.
Tires were dry rotted so I got new tires on it.
The steering is real touchy.
The dealer states that its a common problem and there is no cure for it.
A mechanic told me that he heard that the cause is the front-end alignment and needs to be a negative -1 degree caster to fix the problem.
Anybody else have this problem? How did you fix it?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 491
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From: Southern Illinois
However, you did say you just bought the vehicle? New to Expeditions? I will say the steering is responsive - especially at lower speeds because its computer controlled (called "variable assist") to be easier to steer while parking and firmer at highway speeds.
My guess is that an alignment is needed. Heck, I'd let someone check out the whole front end while your at it.
New User
Joined: Jul 2010
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I recommend that you have the alignment checked.
Our 2003 Navigator seemed to have "touchy" steering when we first got it. I attributed it to the nature of the vehicle since the tires didn't show any unusual wear patterns. Fast forward three years and the tires were starting to get cupped so I had an alignment performed. The front and rear axles both needed small adjustments, and I am amazed at how much better it drives. Instead of constantly making small corrections on the steering wheel it now wants to "follow the road".
Our 2003 Navigator seemed to have "touchy" steering when we first got it. I attributed it to the nature of the vehicle since the tires didn't show any unusual wear patterns. Fast forward three years and the tires were starting to get cupped so I had an alignment performed. The front and rear axles both needed small adjustments, and I am amazed at how much better it drives. Instead of constantly making small corrections on the steering wheel it now wants to "follow the road".
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Joined: Aug 2009
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I just got a 99 XLT Expedition with 30K mile on it.
It sat for 5 years.
Tires were dry rotted so I got new tires on it.
The steering is real touchy.
The dealer states that its a common problem and there is no cure for it.
A mechanic told me that he heard that the cause is the front-end alignment and needs to be a negative -1 degree caster to fix the problem.
Anybody else have this problem? How did you fix it?
It sat for 5 years.
Tires were dry rotted so I got new tires on it.
The steering is real touchy.
The dealer states that its a common problem and there is no cure for it.
A mechanic told me that he heard that the cause is the front-end alignment and needs to be a negative -1 degree caster to fix the problem.
Anybody else have this problem? How did you fix it?
I think you are probably just experiencing the variable steering. I had a little trouble with it at first myself. I am used to it now and in my case there never was an actual problem with the truck.
New User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 8
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Experiencing the same...
I have a '97 Expediditon 4x4 and agree that the steering wheel is very touchy/quick.
I can't just drive with one hand on the top (12 oClock) like I can do with any other vehicle I drive. I feel like I have to drive with two hands at all times (I know this is safer...)
I find that any small movement seems to make the vehicle swirve quite a bit. I thought it's because it's a 4x4 and it'd be hard to turn when in 4x4 without this steering assist, but I wish it wouldn't be SOOOOO responsive. I realise that the truck does sit higher up off the road, so there is going to be some body roll when turning, but it kinda feels scary at times.
Is there a way to slow this down? I'd like it to be a bit stiffer.
I can't just drive with one hand on the top (12 oClock) like I can do with any other vehicle I drive. I feel like I have to drive with two hands at all times (I know this is safer...)
I find that any small movement seems to make the vehicle swirve quite a bit. I thought it's because it's a 4x4 and it'd be hard to turn when in 4x4 without this steering assist, but I wish it wouldn't be SOOOOO responsive. I realise that the truck does sit higher up off the road, so there is going to be some body roll when turning, but it kinda feels scary at times.
Is there a way to slow this down? I'd like it to be a bit stiffer.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 317
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From: Omaha, Nebraska USA
I have read where a couple of people were making the same comments. What they did was to install steering dampeners on to their trucks. I have thought about doing this myself. Cost is around $50.00 to $100.00 depending on single or dual and brand. I can't remember if they ever came back and said how it worked. It should help some, how much I am not sure.
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Kyle Campbell
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