I'm looking at a 1998 F-150 4x4 and the only concern is an annoying noise when the steering wheel is turned about 15-20% left or right, while moving or stopped...Dealer's mechanic says they all do it and that it's normal...I don't buy it. Has anyone experienced this problem before?

The noise sounds like a groan...and happens every time the wheel is turned. The sound continues to occur if I turn the wheel and hold it

thanks

Thanks for all your responses...haven't given up on the truck, although the dealer looked at me kind of funny when I asked if the Pitman Arm joint had been checked...like "how did you know about that?"... I'm waiting for them to check it out...anyway, you're all very helpful and obviously know your trucks!

[This message has been edited by vzwnnj (edited 09-14-2000).]

[This message has been edited by vzwnnj (edited 09-15-2000).]

[This message has been edited by vzwnnj (edited 09-18-2000).]

 

How about telling us what kind of noise it is. Is it a squeak, groan, grinding or what?

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BigBunnell

98 F150 4X4 XLT flareside V6 5sp K&N Flowmaster and some other goodies

 

Does the groan only occur while you are turning the wheel? If you turn it, then hold it still, does the groan stop?
If it only groans while actually turning the wheel, is it the well-known Pitman Arm joint problem? The Pitman Arm is attached to the output shaft of the Steering Gearbox. It translates rotary motion to linear motion, to work the Tie Rods side to side to steer. The ball-type joint on the end of the Pitman Arm is permanently lubed, no grease fitting, on '97's till year ??
The permanent lube on these isn't lasting very long!

 

If the noise is a "whooshing" noise, then it is normal. It is not "right" but is "normal". I've been through this with my dealer. The flushed the ps system twice and finally replaced the ps pump. The noise was still there. I have since driver other Ford trucks and Expeditions that make the same noise. I did replace my ps fluid with Mobil 1 synthetic ATF and that helped a little, but not much. If the noise is a squeal when turning the wheel at slow speeds, that it is the pitman arm. Your dealer should replace this per the TSB.

Jim

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1998 F-150 XLT SC 5.4L

 

vzwnnj

I was going to say exactly the same as JSCOTT. The only difference is that I have not change the fluid. I am used to the "whoosh and squesh" and haven't had any problems with the PS after 51K miles. Remember that this PS system is mounted very close to the firewall and is very easy to hear all those noises coming from the pump, very different to other models and makes.

As for the the pitman, well, I don't know if it was creating the groaning sound because after I installed the 3" body lift the noise stopped and I don't think a body lift can cure that. Maybe there are some forces exerted in a different way now but I don't think they can affect steering components at such a point to change this. But it is posible.

Generally speaking the concensus here is that that noise is the pitman, but in my case I am not sure. We will see. I will wait until something start making that noise again or goes flying from one side to the other.

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1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.

Modifications: K&N FIPK, Stepshield door sill protectors, Performance Accesories 3" body lift and Lift Lips.

See photos at <A HREF="http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck

" TARGET=_blank>www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck

</A>

 

Hi All,
Mine does this same thing. I have 10k on the odometer and did not noticed it until recently. I too have just had it in and they say there is no problem. It is kind of like a whoosh, squish noise when just turning the steering about 20% or so. Glad to know that I am not the only one having this sound.
Thanks for the information.

 

Well, I ended up buying the vehicle even with the noise...I drove several and most (but not all) do it to some extent. It's still under the full factory warranty, so I will have it checked out again after I live with it for awhile. Anyway here it is...

1998, F-150 XLT, Supercab,4x4, Off Road pkg,
third door, bedliner, 27k miles...$18500

thanks again for all your help and advice

 

I had the noise y'all are talking about. I took it to the dealer and they knew about it - Expys have the same noise - they replaced the Pittman arm under warranty.

Problem solved. Hope it helps!