Yesterday I noticed movement in the steering wheel that came on suddenly. When sitting in the seat and pushing on the wheel at 11 or 12 o'clock position it will deflect maybe 3/8". Less at say 9 and 2 oclock and none at 6 o'clock. No movement when pushing laterally against the edge.

When driving there is no noticeable difference except it seems a little slow to return to centered after a turn.

Another clue is that the wheel doesn't lock into position when the key is out all the time, but I'm not sure how long that's been going on(though not too long) since it's something I could care less about!

There is no play in the top part of the steering shaft close to the fire wall. Nothing that seems abnormal.

Mine is a '98 F150, 4.6 L, 200k. Overall excellent condition.

I did a search and in 10 pages nothing remotely close came up.

Anyone got any ideas?

 

Got a video of it? Sounds maybe like an issue with the clockspring.

 

Maybe a steering column bearing or bushing getting a little worn.

 

Video maybe be outside my ability, but that's a great idea!

 

I was reading the shop manual and the limited section on the steering wheel mentioned something about a bearing, and thinking on it that sounds very plausible. I guess I'll have to take it apart to be sure. I may go to Advance Auto and see if they have a bearing. I hope it's something that simple!

 

Sounds like steering column bearings. Just replaced mine its not a real easy job to do but can be done. Only place I found that had them was the dealer. Cost was like $50 to do upper and lower. Do both and not just the one.

 

I finally got the upper replaced and it is much better but is still not perfect. But it will buy me some time to plan for a thorough rebuild. I ordered a factory shop manual because my Haynes manual is lacking in that area. I'm just really glad I got it all back together and it works!