97 Expedition with 90,000 miles. When turning the steering wheel, it turns really easy. Does not feel like there is any play in it, it just really light. Makes it not fun on the road b/c in a quick hard turn, it seems like you could loose control pretty easy if not careful. The 02 F150 with 55,000 miles is tight and steers real smooth. Anyone know if something can just be tighten or do parts need to be replaced.

 

jack up the front end so both wheels are free to steer.have a friend turn the wheel while u inspect. ball joints,tie rods, idler arm etc... look for any play.

 

take it to an alignment shop, my wifes tahoe had the same problem.

 

How would an alignment or loose ball joints cause light steering? I think it would only be caused by something with the steering components not the suspension parts.

 

loose ball joints are one of the worst things to have loose. those can cause loose steering big time. if your not sure how to check them bring it to a reputable front end shop.

 

I believe my Haynes manual said light steering is caused by something with the gearbox. I'm at work so I can't check it, but I think it said the gearbox is either bad, or there is an adjustment that can be made to it to fix the problem. I'm leaning towards the latter. I could be completely wrong, but it may be something to look into.

 

not sure on the fords. the dodge boxes have a way u can adjust the worm gear to tighten to get rid of any play. havent really looked at my box before, steerings tight.

 

After replacing all four balljoints on my 98, the wheel still has a lot of play. Tightening the steering box is easy after you get the fan shroud out of the way. Be sure to check EVERYTHING underneath before adjusting the box.

 

We had a Thunder Chicken and the rack went out, The steering was real hard after with the new rack. Having a light wheel? I don't think there is a fix? Maybe a new box. Prob got a bad valve.....something inside the box.

 

you would half to replace the gear box , if your sure you don't have a safty issue you could install a stearing stabilizer to stiffen , I would lean towards the new box

 

It sounds like the relief valve in the P/S pump is sticking open all the time? I would recommend draining and flushing the system. Please view the following:

Start by taking the return line (the one that is attached to the rear of the pump with a hose clamp) off the pump and draining the reservoir contents into a pan or bucket. Temporary plug the return line connection on the rear of the pump to avoid having fluid running out of the pump during the flush process (use a piece of spare hose with a bolt inserted into the house and a hose clamp on the scrap piece of hose). Secure the piece of temporary hose to the port that you disconnected the return line. Leave the return line off, have someone start the engine and immediately start pouring new fresh fluid into the reservoir.

Pay attention to the color of the fluid that is being returned to the bucket. When the fluid is bright and looks like fresh fluid; congratulations, you have just flushed you steering (hydraulic system).

When fluid is clean, shut off the engine, remove the temporary plug from the rear of the pump and reconnect the return line from the steering gearbox. Next, top-off the reservoir, start the engine and have someone easily turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times (slowly). This will work any air out of the system. Air in the system will not pump; it cavitates and will damage the pump. Air in the system will look like Champaign bubbles in the reservoir.

Check you're steering effort. Is it better? If not, replace the relief valve that should be underneath the high pressure port on the pump. Be careful! The relief valve may have a spring underneath it which may fall out and get lost. The spring under the relief valve could be broken, causing you're problems too. This would be rare. I have never seen a relief valve spring break?

I have never had a Ford pump apart; however, I have done hundreds of Saginaw pumps and other pumps off of big trucks. Have a great day, Gearman