opinion needed rack and pinion or inner tie rod
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 41
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opinion needed rack and pinion or inner tie rod
So I have had the wobble/nibble since I purchased my 05 xlt 4x4 screw in 2009. I recently have become more frustrated with it and so I have done the following but still have the nibble.
replaced both lower ball joints
replaced both outer tie rod ends
replaced rotors and pads (confirmed calipers are not sticking)
Front end alignment
Full rotate and balance (some before and after).
So today I decided to double check play in the front components by jacking each wheel separately and moving them back and forth. I didn't feel anything knocking like an outer tie rod feels. However, I did another test just like testing outer tie rod ends and it seems that I have the ability to move the wheel in the steering motion more than I would expect.
Is there a certain amount of play/cushion in an rack and pinion or should it be impossible to move by hand. It seemed as if it was spongy like a brake pedal. Is there a certain feel or way to rule out inner tie rod ends? Is there something that I could test that would indicate the spongy feel in the rack and pinion?
Thanks for your help. If I don't get this wobble out I am thinking about looking at a different truck and brand. Mainly with the things like plugs and this nibble I have been disappointed by ford on this era of trucks.
replaced both lower ball joints
replaced both outer tie rod ends
replaced rotors and pads (confirmed calipers are not sticking)
Front end alignment
Full rotate and balance (some before and after).
So today I decided to double check play in the front components by jacking each wheel separately and moving them back and forth. I didn't feel anything knocking like an outer tie rod feels. However, I did another test just like testing outer tie rod ends and it seems that I have the ability to move the wheel in the steering motion more than I would expect.
Is there a certain amount of play/cushion in an rack and pinion or should it be impossible to move by hand. It seemed as if it was spongy like a brake pedal. Is there a certain feel or way to rule out inner tie rod ends? Is there something that I could test that would indicate the spongy feel in the rack and pinion?
Thanks for your help. If I don't get this wobble out I am thinking about looking at a different truck and brand. Mainly with the things like plugs and this nibble I have been disappointed by ford on this era of trucks.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
The rack when worn will sometimes leak fluid out of the boot of the inner tie rod (rack seal) or get stiffer to turn. These are the indications of a bad rack.
The inner tie rods can also and do go bad. The way to check for wear is and play/movement in/out. Jacking only one side up, putting your hands on the tire that is up at 3 and 9 o'clock try and wiggle the tire back and forth. You shouldn't have any movement or clunky feel. Don't forget to check the other side as well.
If you feel movement look for where it is coming from. An inner tie rod that is worn will see movement in the rack boot as the inner tie rod socket moves in and out.
FWIW full size trucks have no business having a rack and pinion steering. They are designed for light precise driving response.. not loaded or off road vehicles. They are too fragile.
The inner tie rods can also and do go bad. The way to check for wear is and play/movement in/out. Jacking only one side up, putting your hands on the tire that is up at 3 and 9 o'clock try and wiggle the tire back and forth. You shouldn't have any movement or clunky feel. Don't forget to check the other side as well.
If you feel movement look for where it is coming from. An inner tie rod that is worn will see movement in the rack boot as the inner tie rod socket moves in and out.
FWIW full size trucks have no business having a rack and pinion steering. They are designed for light precise driving response.. not loaded or off road vehicles. They are too fragile.