Steering wheel pulsing
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Junior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 65
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From: Red Deer, Alberta
Steering wheel pulsing
My 78 F250 S/C 4X4 , as your driving it the steering wheel pulls left and right off center position. It acts like it is pulsing back and forth. Maybe steering box or pump? Don't know if anyone else has had that issue. Any thoughts. Thanks. Kelley.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Technically, it's called "shimmy".
The condition is symptomatic of worn steering components or subsequently, a misalignment. Play in the steering gear all the way to a loose wheel can cause shimmy. First, I suggest visually inspecting the steering components for wear. For example, when the steering wheel is turned, all components should move simultaneously. Second, grab the steering component and determine if the connecting junctions indicate any play. Of course, this assumes that all of the steering linkage components are torqued to specifications.
The condition is symptomatic of worn steering components or subsequently, a misalignment. Play in the steering gear all the way to a loose wheel can cause shimmy. First, I suggest visually inspecting the steering components for wear. For example, when the steering wheel is turned, all components should move simultaneously. Second, grab the steering component and determine if the connecting junctions indicate any play. Of course, this assumes that all of the steering linkage components are torqued to specifications.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
I highly doubt it is the pump.
While under the hood, manually rotate the steering shaft while holding the pitman arm still. Again, they should move at the same time. If not, there's your problem. Some steering boxes can be adjusted.
While under the hood, manually rotate the steering shaft while holding the pitman arm still. Again, they should move at the same time. If not, there's your problem. Some steering boxes can be adjusted.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 457
Likes: 7
From: Decatur, AL
I am solving this one now myself. I suspect that the rag joint is my problem. Input from the wheel is not communicated as you turn the wheel. It is like you have to take the slack out of the wheel to make it turn. Driving down the road over 70 is a white knuckle experience in my truck right now.
The old p/s pump had air in the lines too. It had other issues as well.
if you have the p/s cylinder, those are rebuild-able and there are kits for sale from some of the Mustang Parts dealers. They have the cylinders and it is a common fix on them. Mine is a steering gear box and I think i have a lot of small problems adding up to a really wild ride.
The old p/s pump had air in the lines too. It had other issues as well.
if you have the p/s cylinder, those are rebuild-able and there are kits for sale from some of the Mustang Parts dealers. They have the cylinders and it is a common fix on them. Mine is a steering gear box and I think i have a lot of small problems adding up to a really wild ride.
