Well I'm a new owner of a '02 SuperCrew Lariat 5.4L. I've had the truck for a month or so and really enjoy it. This is the first truck that I've owned so everything on it new to me. My owner complaint about it is the steering seems "loose". I've tried to do a little searching on the subject here in the forums but haven't quite found the right thread describing a fix. I've read lots of posts about wandering and what not but I don't think I'm having to much of a problem with that. The problem with that seem to be related to the rear leaf springs from what I've read. The rear end of my truck sits up quite a bit higher than the front so I don't think I'm having a problem with that but could be wrong. Is there any wear areas that I can check for my loose steering problems? I also read a little about stripped threads and replacing new bolts in some of the steerng linkage components but that seem to relate to slack in the steering. Mine doesn't feel like slack, just feels really easy to turn lock to lock. Any thoughts? Glad to be on board here.

 

No ideas or should I just continue to search?

 

I would bet on loose idler arm and ball joints, but just a guess.

 

An alignment might be needed. adjusting the tow in/out makes the responsiveness change. how are the tires wearing or were they just replaces before you bought it. to get a proper alignment you should install cam bolts. ( search cam bolts)

 

The truck was bought from the dealer and serviced, however I do not know if an alighnment was done. The truck does not pull to one side or the other. It drives straight. It just seem the steering is loose. Much looser than my dad's '00 F350 Powerstroke. I have read about the alighnment with having it adjusted in/out to help. That just seems like putting a bandaid on the problem and not fixing the cause. I will check on the idler arm and ball joints though.

Anybody else experienced similar issues had come up with a resolution?

BTW: Great board you guys have here. I will get much use out of it.

 

maybe you could compare it to a similar truck. Apples to apples.

 

Tat's the closest I have to compare to unfortuneatly. I have 3 other cars: '01 Accord, '91 Celica, '96 Probe. All of which have much stiffer steering. I will keep your alighnment suggestion with me though. I'm just looking for other possibilities before I go and fork out unneccasary money when it could be something like a worn component or possibly loose bolts.

 

I had this problem with a '97. My mechanic took 2 steering collumns and made one good one. It seemed to correct the problem.

 

i needed a new idler arm on my 03' screw and it made the steering a whole lot tighter, besides i never knew anything was wrong with it in the first place but once i got the new idler arm it was a world of difference, i got it done because i couldnt pass inspection until i got that replaced anyways check that out

 

Thanks for the replys. I have some things to check with it this weekend now. I reply should something turn up for me. Shoot some more suggestions should anyone have them.

That's a good looking truck you have Whitecolt.

 

thanks a lot and yeah good luck with finding out whats the issue...see ya around