All,

I have had some play in the steering wheel of my '04 F150 screw 4x4 for a long time. Today, I replaced the outer tie rod ends in order to get rid of a squeak. While I was down there, I tried to move the inner tie rods in and out and didn't detected any movement so I figured they were still good.

Now that the new outer tie rods are in place, my squeak is much better but I am still noticing play in the steering wheel. Assuming that I checked the inner tie rods correctly and that they are indeed ok, and assuming my new outer tie rod ends are good, why would I have any play at all in the steering wheel?

Thanks.

 

I have it too... its coming from my steering rack

 

I had the same problem. It ended up being the steering linkage universal joint under the dash. It gets worn out.

 

I did some reading on the steering linkage universal joint. It seems to be a common problem with these trucks, but the main symptom appears to be stiff steering, not play in the steering wheel. At least that is what I have read so far. Anyone else have this issue?

 

You can clean and oil those joints and it makes it drive like new! Unless it is wore out and sloppy feeling. Clean and lube will only cure the stiffness.