floatng issues
Freshman User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Pike, NY
Alignment?
You didn't mention whether you had an alignment performed after the ball joint replacement. I assume the tie-rod ends are ok, but if not, don't waste the alignment until everything is up to snuff (drag link as well).
Then, if it still floats, you may have to look at other things like the rubber bushings, or other causes.
Are the front tires a matched set, inflated properly, and in decent shape? I once had that problem and some garage schmuck hadn't tightened the wheels properly (actually, they weren't tight at all!). Another cause can be loose/worn wheel bearings.
Years ago when in the service in Germany I had acquired a famous German make car (can I say the name of it?). I had little extra money then, but needed a tie-rod end replaced. I took it to a little repair garage and the mechanic was reluctant to replace only one part...insisted the entire front end should be re-built to do the job right.
After much persuasion he finally did what I needed done, but was not happy about doing such an inadequate job. My desire to repair only what needed to be done right now flew in the face of his experience and professionalism. I knew what he wanted to do was the right way to do it, but I just could not afford it and in all actuality, I really could not afford to be driving that car in that country on the money I made then.
Food for thought.
Then, if it still floats, you may have to look at other things like the rubber bushings, or other causes.
Are the front tires a matched set, inflated properly, and in decent shape? I once had that problem and some garage schmuck hadn't tightened the wheels properly (actually, they weren't tight at all!). Another cause can be loose/worn wheel bearings.
Years ago when in the service in Germany I had acquired a famous German make car (can I say the name of it?). I had little extra money then, but needed a tie-rod end replaced. I took it to a little repair garage and the mechanic was reluctant to replace only one part...insisted the entire front end should be re-built to do the job right.
After much persuasion he finally did what I needed done, but was not happy about doing such an inadequate job. My desire to repair only what needed to be done right now flew in the face of his experience and professionalism. I knew what he wanted to do was the right way to do it, but I just could not afford it and in all actuality, I really could not afford to be driving that car in that country on the money I made then.
Food for thought.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
From: Florida
You didn't mention whether you had an alignment performed after the ball joint replacement. I assume the tie-rod ends are ok, but if not, don't waste the alignment until everything is up to snuff (drag link as well).
Then, if it still floats, you may have to look at other things like the rubber bushings, or other causes.
Are the front tires a matched set, inflated properly, and in decent shape? I once had that problem and some garage schmuck hadn't tightened the wheels properly (actually, they weren't tight at all!). Another cause can be loose/worn wheel bearings.
Years ago when in the service in Germany I had acquired a famous German make car (can I say the name of it?). I had little extra money then, but needed a tie-rod end replaced. I took it to a little repair garage and the mechanic was reluctant to replace only one part...insisted the entire front end should be re-built to do the job right.
After much persuasion he finally did what I needed done, but was not happy about doing such an inadequate job. My desire to repair only what needed to be done right now flew in the face of his experience and professionalism. I knew what he wanted to do was the right way to do it, but I just could not afford it and in all actuality, I really could not afford to be driving that car in that country on the money I made then.
Food for thought.
Then, if it still floats, you may have to look at other things like the rubber bushings, or other causes.
Are the front tires a matched set, inflated properly, and in decent shape? I once had that problem and some garage schmuck hadn't tightened the wheels properly (actually, they weren't tight at all!). Another cause can be loose/worn wheel bearings.
Years ago when in the service in Germany I had acquired a famous German make car (can I say the name of it?). I had little extra money then, but needed a tie-rod end replaced. I took it to a little repair garage and the mechanic was reluctant to replace only one part...insisted the entire front end should be re-built to do the job right.
After much persuasion he finally did what I needed done, but was not happy about doing such an inadequate job. My desire to repair only what needed to be done right now flew in the face of his experience and professionalism. I knew what he wanted to do was the right way to do it, but I just could not afford it and in all actuality, I really could not afford to be driving that car in that country on the money I made then.
Food for thought.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 8
Sorry, but "floats" sounds vague to me, especially w/o any other details about your E-150. We presume its a '92 & up b/c you replaced BJ's, despite the 1988 in your ID?
One might expect SEARS to inspect for "lose lincage" safety related issues, IF only to try to sell more service work/parts. Adding "about 20,000 miles" could mean new problems. Of course we don't know when the symptom it "floats" began.
Good chance your solution is in the "or what" category. Things like tire belt shifting, bad radius rod bushings, shot wheel bearings, or sloppy steering box come to mind.
Good chance your solution is in the "or what" category. Things like tire belt shifting, bad radius rod bushings, shot wheel bearings, or sloppy steering box come to mind.
