loose steering -- 1985 f250 diesel 300,000 mi

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fuhgettaboudit02@gmail.com - 11 Jun 2007 17:24 GMT

there is some play in the steering, what could be the cause and how do
i fix it? thanks

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Calvin - 11 Jun 2007 17:42 GMT

On Jun 11, 11:24 am, "fuhgettaboudi...@gmail.com"
<fuhgettaboudi...@gmail.com> wrote:

> there is some play in the steering, what could be the cause and how do
> i fix it? thanks

The usuall suspects are tie rod ends and whatever the joint is called
at the end of the pitman arm (drag link?). If those all check out
then you probably need a new steering box. Ford trucks - especially
96 and before - are known for having very loose steering. At 300K you
could be looking at replacing many of these parts as all the little
bits of wear in each add up to the total play you are seeing at the
wheel.

Calvin

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Hal - 11 Jun 2007 21:12 GMT

> The usuall suspects are tie rod ends and whatever the joint is called
> at the end of the pitman arm (drag link?). If those all check out
> then you probably need a new steering box. Ford trucks - especially
> 96 and before - are known for having very loose steering. At 300K you

Yep. Called the Ford LFE - Loose Front End ;-)

The easiest way to find out where the slop is requires two people. One
person gets under the truck, and one gets in the cab and moves the
wheel back and forth. You just have to feel your way around from the
steering shaft out and see where the play is and fix it. Not a
terribly hard job to do most of the time.

Chris

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