Steering problem. Need advice please!
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2009
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Steering problem. Need advice please!
Ok, here's the deal:
1996 F-250 4x4 351 automatic, regular cab.
I'm having some serious steering problems. The wheels don't return to center after a turn, so I have to turn the wheel to get back to center. I dont see anything obviously wrong. I jacked up the front end and I can't turn the wheels left or right by hand, I'm pretty sure I should be able to though. I tried to remove the pitman arm from the steering box to see if anything in the steering linkage is binding but I couldn't get it off...
The power steering pump seems to work fine, i.e. it turns left and right ok, just wont return to center.
Any help would be great, I dont want to just throw parts at it.
Thanks,
Mike
1996 F-250 4x4 351 automatic, regular cab.
I'm having some serious steering problems. The wheels don't return to center after a turn, so I have to turn the wheel to get back to center. I dont see anything obviously wrong. I jacked up the front end and I can't turn the wheels left or right by hand, I'm pretty sure I should be able to though. I tried to remove the pitman arm from the steering box to see if anything in the steering linkage is binding but I couldn't get it off...
The power steering pump seems to work fine, i.e. it turns left and right ok, just wont return to center.
Any help would be great, I dont want to just throw parts at it.
Thanks,
Mike
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 200
Likes: 13
From: Sheridan, Wyoming
When you jacked it up and couldn't turn the wheels did you think to unlock the steering wheel? If you left it locked, thats why you couldn't turn them. Sorry if this question upsets you but I had a friend call me one day with this problem and thats what he forgot to do.
Chris
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2009
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Do you guys think hitting them w/ the grease will help at this point??
Or are they shot?
The truck(steering) was fine when I parked it and it sat most of the summer w/out moving. I put a new exhaust mani on recently and noticed the problem.
Or are they shot?
The truck(steering) was fine when I parked it and it sat most of the summer w/out moving. I put a new exhaust mani on recently and noticed the problem.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: ct
if dry u-joints are the cause of the problem then it's too late and the damage is done. Greasing them is only a bandage. It could last years to come or days it really depends on how much their used.
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Thanks Fordy,
I'm interested to see if greasing solves the problem, even temporarily. At least then I know what I'm dealing with...
I'm interested to see if greasing solves the problem, even temporarily. At least then I know what I'm dealing with...
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Took a quick look at the U-joints just now...They're shot. One side is missing the needle bearings, the other side is really bound up. Looks like I have another project to work on...
Thanks for the advice guys!
Thanks for the advice guys!
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