I have an 01 F150 supercrew with 160K miles.

So a few weeks ago I started noticing my steering having issues. At low speeds and a little at higher speeds the wheel shakes back and forth, it's a decent amount, more than wheels out of balance. Once I really started focusing on it I also then noticed my steering wheel is now clocked at about 11:30 ( I didn't hit or run into anything so that's not the issue)

If I let go of the wheel it pulls to the right but not on braking.

The steering vibration is more apparent at low speeds and you can feel as you make gradual turns like it is tight (like normal) and then get loose for a second, almost like you have a flat spot on a worm gear and almost pulls the opposite direction a little.

I figure all these things are connected but not sure where to start. Ball joints? Tie rod ends? Rack? steering linkage? Pump? (pump whines but it always has.) I don't want to just start replacing stuff to chase the problem if possible.

Anyone ever have a problem similar to this?

Or ideas on what to look for or start trouble shooting.

Thanks,
Galen

 

same issue with mine, a good alignment may be helpful, along with ball joints and tie rods.

 

Just went through the same thing at 215k. Rather than diagnose, I just replaced , ball joints, control arms, tie rods, pitman and idler arm, then had an alignment and problem is all gone. Drives like a new....ish truck.

1aauto had a kit with all those parts for something like $220 together.


At those miles all of those parts probably need it anyway, I didn't know it, but mine had a lot of play in them.

 

Take it to a repair shop that does free front end inspections. Goodyear does that here.

 

Wondered if someone could check something out on their truck. I raised the truck and looked for anything that could be causing my issue and I noticed I seem to have some slop in my steering shaft.

From the engine compartment if I grab the steering shaft linkage (steering wheel to box shaft) I have a healthy 1/4" play if I move the shaft up and down where the one shaft goes into the other shaft. I am pretty sure this is not normal. It's not when twisting it like turning the steering wheel but moving it up and down.

Can someone check their rig and see if they have any play in this part.

Would be a huge help.

Thanks, Galen

 

i also have 1/4 inch of play, always have well, since ive purchased it. if its 1/4 turn then you may need a steering gear box. heck our 91 has 1/4 1/3 of a turn in slop...

 

Check to see if your brakes are not hanging up due to a bad flex hose. This could warp the rotors causing vibration

More likely you may need to change the tie rod ends as they may have excessive play.

 

Make sure the ball joints and tie rod ends are greased properly. Also make sure your tires are properly inflated.

 

OK, so quick update. Took it to shop today and they said everything was tight and looked good except my right front tire was failing and had a big bubble on the tread. I asked to see it and and when you looked at it there was an area maybe 10 inches long and 6 inches wide on the tread and was raised up like a bubble. You could easily see it.

HE said that what was casing all my problems.

$1400 in tires later and the problems are gone. Didn't really plan on spending money on tires today but they are nice. Went with a bigger size.

Thanks for all the help. I never thought it would be a bad tire.
Galen

 

Yep, simply adding 5 lbs of air to my tires made my vibrations go away.