So I've been dealing with the issue of a wandering front end for quite some time now. Usually the truck will be very difficult to maintain a straight line and the wheel will not stay in a perfect aligned straight without a countersteer to the right (truck wanders left). I can also (with truck keys in ignition and truck on but not running ) turn the wheel left to right and hear a looseness or knock with each turn back and forth. The truck also turns WITH the incline and decline of small bumps in the road.

I've read ALOT on tie rod ends and I'm pretty sure I know how to diagnose a bad one as well as remove and replace a set by now but I want to see what you all think since it wouldn't be the first time I seek advice from the forum before an unsure repair.

So please if any Input could be giving I would really appreciate it !!!

 

I've had everything replaced except drivers side bjs. You have nearly every symptom I have. Its so bad now, all over my lane on the highway. I got under the truck and had a buddy rock the wheel back and forth and the hanging came from the shaft attached to the steering rack. It has to be the rack, it even makes noise when I first start the truck and I get a grinding sensation through the wheel at certain points as I make turns. The power steering pump seems to be working harder because I've noticed it causes the rpms to change higher than normal and head a slight whine at low speeds say 10mph and under.

 

I can literally feel the shaft jerking back and forth and pulling the wheel. I have been told I'm too ****, you have no idea how bad I want to punch people who say that. What we're experiencing is not normal and I'm rip**** people have failed to notice it when I show them. I hit bumps and the wheel jerks and can feel a bang under my feet and feedback in the wheel. I pull into my driveway and the wheel just stays turned and makes small jerky turns but never fully straightens if I let go. Slow down for s light and the wheel starts turning towards the side without my doing anything yet of will turn to the other side if you drift over the crown. I can't deal with it much longer. It bothers me every single time I drive and I'm saving to get fixed this spring. The rack is not a cheap job

 

how much we talking?

 

The racks new are about 400-600 and then labor. Its usually $900-1100 from what I've researched. Did I describe what you're seeing. Today's ride in was awful, I kept making massive corrections when the wind blew

 

almost .... but i wasnt expecting it to be a steering rack... this is worse news than i was expecting ... not your fault tho i was hoping that it wasnt the rack for the longest time too

 

I grabbed the shaft as he jerked the wheel and it dulled the noise. My thinking is the teeth are worn causing excess play. I notice jerky steering at times and it got bad a year ago and has just gone south since. I just can't think if what else it is

 

Saginaw time.

 

bad tie rod will have up and down movement in the joint. When you remove it from the truck it will feel like a play station joy stick. That is a bad tie rod.

 

Just out of curiosity, have you checked the lower steering shaft? Here: https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...t-04-08-a.html These have a habit of going bad and binding up and being noisy. Just a thought.....

 

Been replaced twice and literally all new front end.

 

gonna hopefully get the truck up in the air and figure it out soon... just havent had the time

 

Interested to see what you find, I'm hoping to take care of it this spring.

 

plus have you checked rockauto ... seen em for around 300 max for the new rack