My steering column shaft is loose and appears loose from both the steering box and the top part where it goes to the cab. I can grab is and there is play. I have a mechanic friend that can change it for me - the box is about $200, and if the shaft needs replaced I have to get that from Ford and I don't know how much that would cost.

I have been have vibration problems, though my my front end parts are all good. I Just got new tires and had them balanced twice. The vibration problems were around prior to the new tires.

My question is this: Is it likely that this problem (loose shaft) cause the vibrations I have been getting in the front end - especially at speeds above 40, and the worst being at speeds at 55-65 mph? My mechanic friend this this may be the cause, but he says it's about a 50/50 chance.


Thanks for the help,
Steve

 

Hi Steve,
Where do you feel the vibration in the steering wheel or in the seat? Also do you feel the vibration all of the time or after hitting a bump? The worn steering shaft and steering gear box will more likely cause wandering issues. I would check and make sure none of the wheels or tires are out of round.

 

Thanks for the reply. I feel the vibration in the steering wheel, though there is a sense of the front end vibratring, not in the seat, but instead it just feels like a vibration in the front end only coming from the wheels. I have had passengers notice it and bring it up without me saying anything.

I just got new tires and had them balanced after 1,300 miles. No difference. The problem seems to be getting worse. I had the same trouble when I had my previous tires, and I thought it was better with the new tires, but it seems to be getting worse again. I really don't want to start putting money into fixing parts I know are wrong if I don't feel comfortable that the vibration will be fixed. I have done a search here and it seems vibration problems can be hard to find unless there is a know bad front end part. Or bad tires. I don't believe either applies to this case.

 

My '01 Expedition is at the dealer right now for the same problem. It will be ready tomorrow, they had to get parts from across town. I'll post when I get it back to let everyone know what the problem was.

 

Just picked up the truck and the Ford Dealership replaced the Steering Shaft and Idler Arm. Steers and rides like a dream.

 

Metla,

Other than a loose steering shaft, what other, if any, symptoms were you having? Were you haveing any vibration or loose feelings when you were driving?

Thanks,
Steve

 

Only when I accelerated, braked or hit some roughness in the road did the steering column rattle. At high speeds there was no vibration or shaking.