Memory Steering?? - Advice needed
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Memory Steering?? - Advice needed
Hi all
Great site and first post. I'm not very versed on vehicles, but I am trying to learn so if you could bear with me as I hope I am explaining this properly.
I have a '94 XLT F150 and when I turn right, the steering wheel does not come back to center. I then have to hold the steering wheel to the left so I go straight. When I turn left, it's just the opposite.
I called my mechanic and he said that problem is called "memory steering" and is a common problem. He said that the job can be expensive
because (I hope I get this right) they MAY have to replace the "inner" parts (ball joints??) and the whole job may end up costing around $900. But, he said the "outer" parts may just need replacing and then it'd be like $300. He said I could drive the truck for awhile since the problem just started. He also said if the $900 was too steep, they could do one side then do the other side a month later if I wanted.
The problem started a couple days ago, but the next day, the "memory steering" problem was still there, but seemed better.
My options are to:
1) fix this and pay $900 on a $2500 truck
2) sell the truck for $2500
3) use as a work truck
I am leaning towards using this as a work truck, but the problem then is how long will this last? I'd use the truck say on average, 20 miles a week. So if I keep it, I only delay the problem :o
Any help or suggestion is appreciated!
Great site and first post. I'm not very versed on vehicles, but I am trying to learn so if you could bear with me as I hope I am explaining this properly.
I have a '94 XLT F150 and when I turn right, the steering wheel does not come back to center. I then have to hold the steering wheel to the left so I go straight. When I turn left, it's just the opposite.
I called my mechanic and he said that problem is called "memory steering" and is a common problem. He said that the job can be expensive
because (I hope I get this right) they MAY have to replace the "inner" parts (ball joints??) and the whole job may end up costing around $900. But, he said the "outer" parts may just need replacing and then it'd be like $300. He said I could drive the truck for awhile since the problem just started. He also said if the $900 was too steep, they could do one side then do the other side a month later if I wanted.The problem started a couple days ago, but the next day, the "memory steering" problem was still there, but seemed better.
My options are to:
1) fix this and pay $900 on a $2500 truck
2) sell the truck for $2500
3) use as a work truck
I am leaning towards using this as a work truck, but the problem then is how long will this last? I'd use the truck say on average, 20 miles a week. So if I keep it, I only delay the problem :o
Any help or suggestion is appreciated!
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Dec 1997
Posts: 9,417
Likes: 11
From: Windsor,Ontario,Canada
There are 2 casues. Ball joints that bind and the steerning system. That means tie rods sterring linkage. It could even be as simple as an alignment. Take it to an alignment shop and they will inspect it properly and let you know exactly what is wrong. Here in Windsor the shop I go to charge $10.00 for an inspection. Do not go to the shop that says it could be $900.00. If you do he will know that you are willing to pay $900.00 for ball joints. FYI Ball joints should cost about $35.00 each. You need 4 so parts are $140.00. So your guy wants $760.00 to install them? it should take no longet than 3 hrs for a competant shop to install both sides. So max $300.00 labour. That is $450.00 so far. Add the cost of an alignment and that is what you should be paying.
JMC
JMC