I have a 97 F150 XLT 4X4, and the steering wheel is loose.

I can shake the wheel North, South, East & West about 1/4 inch. But there's no play if you pull the wheel directly to you.

I figured that the nut was just loose, so I followed the instructions to get the air bag off so I can get to the nut. well, it's as tight as you can get it.

The steering gear box is new as well as some other linkage. I've looked and I can't see a reason it would be loose.

Is there a bushing behind the wheel ?

Mike

 

Do you have a tilt wheel ? If you do some bolts may have come loose inside pass the turn signal or some bearings have went out that the wheel seats into when you tighten the nut.Go to the parts dept and see if they will give you a print out showing all the parts too it from top to bottom.PS if it is bolts put something on them to keep them tight and so you don't to go back in again.

 

WildmanNP, thanks. it does seem to be something other than bushings.

I need to borrow a steering whell puller and then I can get a good look. hopefully by this week-end.

 

There are two bearings at the top of the steering column. Possibly one or both of the bearings are failing. Is there any binding or roughness when turning the steering wheel?

 

Yep, it's the bearings in there.

Anyone have a part number for these. I'm in Germany and all I get is a deer in the headlights stare when I ask can ya fix it ?

Finally had a dealer say If I can get the parts he will fix it !

Thanks, Mike

 

Has anyone changed these steering column bearings on a 97-04 F150 and seen a change in the steering?