Steering Gear/ Steering Rack
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
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I will call the service manager today or tommorow, he left the ticket open and wants me to call him and let him know how it did. I will ask him if he can find out for sure how many versions of the steering rack Ford has produced. With all the information I have seen and read on different forums there is only two. I suggest anybody who has a nibble and has went through mulitiple tires and balances and still have a nibble to look at the bar code on the steering rack. Even if your truck was built after 8/03 you may still have the "old rack", I did.
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 45
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From: Leavenworth. KS
TX660R,
Congrats on getting fixed!
I spoke with my MST yesterday. He told me that after running something called an “Oasis” report on my truck, he’s POSITIVE that I have the new rack. He said there’s nothing more he can do for me….. He didn’t even bother to check the bar-code
I’d appreciate ANY information you can dig up about the racks. Also, if you get the chance, can you PM me with your service techs name and number? I’d like to give him a call. Maybe if I get your tech talking to my tech, I can get something done.
I’ve got my dealer checking on a trade-up to a 05, but if possible I’d like to et my 04 fixed.
Thanks,
Chuck
Congrats on getting fixed!
I spoke with my MST yesterday. He told me that after running something called an “Oasis” report on my truck, he’s POSITIVE that I have the new rack. He said there’s nothing more he can do for me….. He didn’t even bother to check the bar-code
I’d appreciate ANY information you can dig up about the racks. Also, if you get the chance, can you PM me with your service techs name and number? I’d like to give him a call. Maybe if I get your tech talking to my tech, I can get something done.
I’ve got my dealer checking on a trade-up to a 05, but if possible I’d like to et my 04 fixed.
Thanks,
Chuck
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
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Tell him to read what they say about the bar code below in the last paragraph.
Article No.
03-20-8 STEERING - STEERING WHEEL NIBBLE AT OR ABOVE 100 KM/H (60 MPH) - VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 8/20/2003
VIBRATION - STEERING WHEEL NIBBLE AT OR ABOVE 100 KM/H (60 MPH) - VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 8/20/2003
Publication Date: October 1, 2003
FORD: 2004 F-150
ISSUE:
Some F-150 vehicles built prior to 8/20/2003, may exhibit a Steering Wheel Shimmy/Nibble at 100 km/h (60 MPH) and greater speeds. The condition is felt in the steering wheel as a side-to-side, or rotational, oscillation. When measured (sensor on steering wheel) with an Electronic Vibration Analyzer (EVA), the measured frequency is between 12-16 Hz.
ACTION:
To service, it may be necessary to replace the Steering Gear. Refer to the following Service Procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE: BEFORE BEGINNING THIS PROCEDURE, ENSURE THAT THE TIRES DO NOT HAVE FLAT SPOTS. IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR UP TO 30 MILES TO ELIMINATE THIS CONDITION.
NOTE: FOR 4X2 VEHICLES GO DIRECTLY TO STEP 2.
Check the Integrated Wheel End (IWE) on 4x4 units. Raise the front of the vehicle (wheels off the ground), engine running, vehicle in 2WD mode. The front half shafts should not turn when wheels are rotated by hand. If the IWE is functioning correctly proceed to Step 2. If not, refer to the Workshop Manual section 308-07 to repair IWE first. Then proceed to Step 2.
If road force measurement equipment (Hunter GSP9700/9712, or equivalent) is available, proceed to Step 3. If not, mark the original tire/wheel location on each tire. (i.e. LF, LR, RF, RR) and remove from the vehicle. Check wheel balance, and re-balance as required to achieve a less than 0.25 oz (7g) of imbalance. Reinstall wheels and test drive vehicle. If the condition is corrected return the vehicle to the customer. If not, re-seat the bead on all four tires re-balance as required and test drive vehicle. If the condition is corrected return the vehicle to the customer. If not, proceed to Step 5.
If road force measurement equipment is available (Hunter GSP9700/9712, or equivalent), measure the tire road force variation on all four tires, following the manufacturer's instructions and TSB 02-1-6. If any wheel assembly measures more than the values listed below for R1H or R2H then proceed to Step 4. If not proceed to Step 5.
Tire Type R1H R2H
P Metric Tires 26 lbs. 18 lbs.
LT Tires 39 lbs. 27 lbs.
Using the tire road force measurement machine, determine the low spot of the wheel run out. Match high point force variation on the tire with the low spot of wheel run out. Re-test the wheel assembly force variation. If the wheel assembly is now acceptable, rebalance and test drive vehicle. If the condition is corrected return the vehicle to the customer. If not, replace the tire and re-check, then rebalance and test drive vehicle. If the condition is corrected return the vehicle to the customer. If not, proceed to Step 5.
Swap tire/wheel assemblies from front to rear and left to right, re-evaluate the vehicle for every combination. If the condition is corrected return the vehicle to the customer. If not, proceed to Step 6.
Replace Steering Gear. Refer to the part application chart below.
NOTE: DO NOT REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR IF LATEST LEVEL IS ALREADY INSTALLED. THE LATEST LEVEL CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY A GREEN PAINT DOT ON THE BAR CODE LABEL LOCATED NEAR THE RIGHT SIDE BUSHING BRACKET, AND/OR BY THE FIRST 5 DIGITS OF THE SERIAL NUMBER ON THE BAR CODE LABEL. IF THE FIRST 5 DIGITS OF THE SERIAL NUMBER ARE GREATER THAN: 21003 ALL CREW CAB AND SUPER CAB EXCEPT 133" WHEEL BASE, OR 21603 ALL REGULAR CAB AND SUPER CAB WITH 133" WHEEL BASE, THE STEERING GEAR IS THE LATEST LEVEL.
PARTS APPLICATION CHART
Vehicles Part Number Part Name
Super Cab & SuperCrew 4x2 4L3Z-3504-AB Steering Gear
Super Cab & SuperCrew 4x4 4L3Z-3504-BB Steering Gear
Regular Cab 4x2 4L3Z-3504-CB Steering Gear
Regular Cab 4x4 4L3Z-3504-DB Steering Gear
Article No.
03-20-8 STEERING - STEERING WHEEL NIBBLE AT OR ABOVE 100 KM/H (60 MPH) - VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 8/20/2003
VIBRATION - STEERING WHEEL NIBBLE AT OR ABOVE 100 KM/H (60 MPH) - VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 8/20/2003
Publication Date: October 1, 2003
FORD: 2004 F-150
ISSUE:
Some F-150 vehicles built prior to 8/20/2003, may exhibit a Steering Wheel Shimmy/Nibble at 100 km/h (60 MPH) and greater speeds. The condition is felt in the steering wheel as a side-to-side, or rotational, oscillation. When measured (sensor on steering wheel) with an Electronic Vibration Analyzer (EVA), the measured frequency is between 12-16 Hz.
ACTION:
To service, it may be necessary to replace the Steering Gear. Refer to the following Service Procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE: BEFORE BEGINNING THIS PROCEDURE, ENSURE THAT THE TIRES DO NOT HAVE FLAT SPOTS. IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR UP TO 30 MILES TO ELIMINATE THIS CONDITION.
NOTE: FOR 4X2 VEHICLES GO DIRECTLY TO STEP 2.
Check the Integrated Wheel End (IWE) on 4x4 units. Raise the front of the vehicle (wheels off the ground), engine running, vehicle in 2WD mode. The front half shafts should not turn when wheels are rotated by hand. If the IWE is functioning correctly proceed to Step 2. If not, refer to the Workshop Manual section 308-07 to repair IWE first. Then proceed to Step 2.
If road force measurement equipment (Hunter GSP9700/9712, or equivalent) is available, proceed to Step 3. If not, mark the original tire/wheel location on each tire. (i.e. LF, LR, RF, RR) and remove from the vehicle. Check wheel balance, and re-balance as required to achieve a less than 0.25 oz (7g) of imbalance. Reinstall wheels and test drive vehicle. If the condition is corrected return the vehicle to the customer. If not, re-seat the bead on all four tires re-balance as required and test drive vehicle. If the condition is corrected return the vehicle to the customer. If not, proceed to Step 5.
If road force measurement equipment is available (Hunter GSP9700/9712, or equivalent), measure the tire road force variation on all four tires, following the manufacturer's instructions and TSB 02-1-6. If any wheel assembly measures more than the values listed below for R1H or R2H then proceed to Step 4. If not proceed to Step 5.
Tire Type R1H R2H
P Metric Tires 26 lbs. 18 lbs.
LT Tires 39 lbs. 27 lbs.
Using the tire road force measurement machine, determine the low spot of the wheel run out. Match high point force variation on the tire with the low spot of wheel run out. Re-test the wheel assembly force variation. If the wheel assembly is now acceptable, rebalance and test drive vehicle. If the condition is corrected return the vehicle to the customer. If not, replace the tire and re-check, then rebalance and test drive vehicle. If the condition is corrected return the vehicle to the customer. If not, proceed to Step 5.
Swap tire/wheel assemblies from front to rear and left to right, re-evaluate the vehicle for every combination. If the condition is corrected return the vehicle to the customer. If not, proceed to Step 6.
Replace Steering Gear. Refer to the part application chart below.
NOTE: DO NOT REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR IF LATEST LEVEL IS ALREADY INSTALLED. THE LATEST LEVEL CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY A GREEN PAINT DOT ON THE BAR CODE LABEL LOCATED NEAR THE RIGHT SIDE BUSHING BRACKET, AND/OR BY THE FIRST 5 DIGITS OF THE SERIAL NUMBER ON THE BAR CODE LABEL. IF THE FIRST 5 DIGITS OF THE SERIAL NUMBER ARE GREATER THAN: 21003 ALL CREW CAB AND SUPER CAB EXCEPT 133" WHEEL BASE, OR 21603 ALL REGULAR CAB AND SUPER CAB WITH 133" WHEEL BASE, THE STEERING GEAR IS THE LATEST LEVEL.
PARTS APPLICATION CHART
Vehicles Part Number Part Name
Super Cab & SuperCrew 4x2 4L3Z-3504-AB Steering Gear
Super Cab & SuperCrew 4x4 4L3Z-3504-BB Steering Gear
Regular Cab 4x2 4L3Z-3504-CB Steering Gear
Regular Cab 4x4 4L3Z-3504-DB Steering Gear
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Leavenworth. KS
TX660R,
THANKS!
I printed it out and took it my service tech during lunch. Get this, he would even bother to read the whole thing, nor would he check the steering rack numbers. He said (again) that the Oasis report stated that there was no updated rack for my truck, and that was what he was going to go by. As far as he’s concerned (still) IF he can make the nibble go away by using TSB T42507 with the factory stuff, there is no problem with my truck.
Then we went to see the service manager, same story there. At this time I was a “little” pissed, but kept my cool. I told them that I wanted their refusal to work on my truck based on the aftermarket wheels/tires in writing.
Now, I can start the DSB process, since I’ve tried to go through my dealer to remedy the problem.
Chuck
THANKS!
I printed it out and took it my service tech during lunch. Get this, he would even bother to read the whole thing, nor would he check the steering rack numbers. He said (again) that the Oasis report stated that there was no updated rack for my truck, and that was what he was going to go by. As far as he’s concerned (still) IF he can make the nibble go away by using TSB T42507 with the factory stuff, there is no problem with my truck.
Then we went to see the service manager, same story there. At this time I was a “little” pissed, but kept my cool. I told them that I wanted their refusal to work on my truck based on the aftermarket wheels/tires in writing.
Now, I can start the DSB process, since I’ve tried to go through my dealer to remedy the problem.
Chuck
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 143
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My nibble is back, and my truck is back at the dealer today. What a shame, my carbon fiber overlays came in the mail today too. I am not going to put them on. The DSB might be the only way. The service rep. told me that he would file a lemon law. I do not want to have to do this, just fix the nibble permantley. Thanks for letting me vent.