loose steering wheel. good or bad?
loose steering wheel. good or bad?
I can grab my steering wheel anywhere as long as my hands are 180 degrees apart and rock it. There isn't much movement. Maybe 1/8" to 1/4" total. There isn't any play when I turn the wheel and the truck goes straight. What could be causing this problem? What about possible solutions to fix it?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: South Ga
sounds like you may have some bearing and/or steering shaft damage. I see it alot when people use the steering wheel to aid in climbing in a vehicle. If this is the case, then you are probably better off with a column from a junkyard unless you know someone handy with rebuilding columns. The parts aren't too bad, but the labor is usually what drives it outta reach..
FordMasterTech
FordMasterTech
F150man - Yes, it is a 4x4.
This isn't because of something that occured over time. The problem came about last weekend. I was driving down a dirt road that goes along a bridge to a small river. I drove down it a few times in the past with my truck and once in a 2wd Escape with no problems. It is rough so I was going slow. Normally there is a couple spots where water sits. I came across a spot where is went all the way across. I didn't think much about it being a problem because I've been down the road a couple times before. All of a sudden the front end goes down with a loud "thunk."
It turns out the flooding in the area about a month ago washed away a lot of the dirt. I was able to get out in 4wd with no problems. There aren't any problems or noises other than the steering wheel problem. I might just leave it be for now.
This isn't because of something that occured over time. The problem came about last weekend. I was driving down a dirt road that goes along a bridge to a small river. I drove down it a few times in the past with my truck and once in a 2wd Escape with no problems. It is rough so I was going slow. Normally there is a couple spots where water sits. I came across a spot where is went all the way across. I didn't think much about it being a problem because I've been down the road a couple times before. All of a sudden the front end goes down with a loud "thunk."
It turns out the flooding in the area about a month ago washed away a lot of the dirt. I was able to get out in 4wd with no problems. There aren't any problems or noises other than the steering wheel problem. I might just leave it be for now.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: South Ga
Sorry James, I misunderstood your concern...
I just noticed your location, as I remember the terrential downpours recently.
I am just north of you about 50 miles..
You may have some steering linkage concerns.
You can often times visibly look at the tie rod ends, drag link, and idler arm while someone will turn the steering wheel from lock to lock looking for an upward/downward travel at each joint..
FordMasterTech
I just noticed your location, as I remember the terrential downpours recently.
I am just north of you about 50 miles..
You may have some steering linkage concerns.
You can often times visibly look at the tie rod ends, drag link, and idler arm while someone will turn the steering wheel from lock to lock looking for an upward/downward travel at each joint..
FordMasterTech