I've been reading this forum for months and appreciate all of your input. I got my Toreador Red Screw 9/18 and love it. I noticed occasional sticking/rubbing of the steering wheel after a couple of weeks, most noticeabale when driving slow (ie parking lots). Last week it became more noticeable. It's present all the time and a rubbing noise can be heard when turning.
I brought it into the shop last Thursday and they told me it was a defective bushing and ordered the part. Dropped it off this morning and picked it up after hours. No change. Still has the rubbing feel and sound. The work order says they replaced a steering wheel bearing. So it's back to the shop in the morning. The feel/noise is subltle but a definite difference from when I first got it. Has anyone else had a similar experience or have any idea what it might be? Thanks.

 

I havn't had anything like that. I know fords always seemed to have loud power steering motors though.

 

You sure it isn't coming from the rear end?

 

I have noticed the same thing - a lot of resistance in the steering. If I release the wheel after a turn it does return to center, so I figured it was just new and very tight.

 

that's must be it, it's new so just try ti break it in, if that dosen't work, go to a dealership and tell them to test drive the truck, that way they can see how it feels like.

 

Oh - I've done that. It came back with 100 miles on it and the word was - the Service Manager loves your truck!

 

The front end mechanic only works Mondays and Fridays so I'm taking it in again tomorrow. The service manager drove around with me on Tuesday and agreed that there was a rubbing sound and feel. So I'll let you know what pans out tomorrow.

 

Could be a bad clockspring.

 

The mechanic could hear and feel the problem but isn't sure what it is. It's definitely coming from the steering wheel. They called Ford and were told to replace the power steering gear box. They ordered it and will install it when they get it, hopefully later this week.

 

My Lariat Screw does similar. Very faint feel on either side of center most noticeable at low speeds. It isn't bothering me yet. Mine only has 1500 miles on it, so I will wait awhile before taking it in for this. Could be a break in issue.

 

Bikelover,
Sounds like you may have the same thing. Subtle but definitely noticeable. I don't think it's related to the break in period because it wasn't there for the first couple of weeks. The part arrived today at the dealership and I'm dropping it off Wednesday morning. Hope this will fix it.

 

Got the truck back last night after the power steering gear box was replaced and the problem appears to have been fixed. I've put on about 50 miles and no noise or rubbing.

 

I am now having this problem too...just noticed it the other night....may wait quite awhile before taking it in...just don't like to be without it very much.

 

Noticed the same problem with my Screw. It's a very minor annoyance. It figured it to be something with the power steering pumps proportional valve causing harmonic vibrations as it supplies pressure to the steering rack. I am sure Ford has become aware of the problem and I suspect it is a manufacturing issue.

Anyhow this new f-150 has great NVH attributes. Great to see the engineers getting what they want and the bean counters staying out of the picture.

I spent a few years at Fords Advanced Engineering Center as a NVH tech and they put alot of time isolating vibrations at the steering wheel.

I'll have the dealer schedule a replacement steering pump if that trully is the root cause...which seems to be.

 

After about 100 miles the rubbing feel/noise is back. Not sure what to do as bringing it in the shop is a pain. I've had it there five times already. Let me know if replacing the steering pump solves the problem. I'll probably drive it for a while before I bring it back.