Steering Wheel Really Loose
 

96 F-150 5.0 4wd automatic.

I have a bunch of play in the steering wheel. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

If you know how to do it, it's very easy to determine where the problem is. I just get an assistant to turn the steering wheel back and forth 2 or 3 inches or whatever is comfortable and watch where the looseness is.

Turn the key so the steering wheel is loose, do not start the engine even though you have power steering. Watch under the hood before the steering box for play, as well as all the parts past the steering box before the wheels. Once you understand this method it works like a charm. Only try to adjust the steering box as a very very last resort, I have never had to adjust a steering box.

Thanks! All the play is inside truck.

There are two bearings and bushings on the column steering shaft. One or all of them have probably failed.

I rebuilt the column in my '95 F350 myself. It's involved but not terrible.

The parts can be found at LMC Truck or Bronco Graveyard.

The whole column has to be removed to do it.

If the slop is bad enough to damage the shaft, that's the expensive part. Somewhere like $250-$275 for just the shaft.

The bearings and bushing can be found for less than $100.

Hope the input helps.

John

Remove column shroud and see if you can find out what is wrong. If not you would next have to disconnect the battery (safety 1st!), remove the air bag and then the steering wheel. This will let you get in and see what has come apart.

Great! Thank you both very much!

Does anyone have a assembly diagram and parts list?

Thanks!

Google is your friend:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-write-up.html

That should get you started.

John

Yes, more than enough.....thx!