So I have the binding steering issue with my truck. I bought an intermediate steering shaft off amazon twice now. The first one I couldn't fit and therefore I returned it. I just got the second shaft and it also will not fit.

The shaft will not collapse enough for me to fit it on my truck. I am really annoyed at this. I'm wondering if I'm missing something? I am perfectly able to put the old shaft on and off without any issues so why am I having a problem with the new one?

The new ones do not collapse all the way down like the original shaft. I have about a half of an inch to long of a shaft (OMG - that sounded wrong.)

Anyway I haven't returned the steering shaft yet. I'm hoping someone will have an idea of what I could do. Both pics below show the new shaft. I can collapse it only so far and it needs about a half inch more in clearance.

I have a 6 cyl 2012 F150.

 

You didn't say what you bought, so that doesn't help much - consider it's the wrong part - also consider that Motorcraft parts are recommended as the only replacement in many areas, i believe the steering shaft is one of those areas.

 

I've watched the video that you gave, in fact that was the exact one that I was following during the repair lol.

This was the description of the part on Amazon -

Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft Coupler Rag Joint Universal U-Joint For 07-14 Ford Expedition Lincoln Navigator 09-14 F150 Replaces OE# 8L1Z-3B676-A

Not sure if this was an incorrect part but this is the second one now. The first time I also bought off Amazon but a different dealer. I feel like I'm doing something wrong but not sure what. I'm not a complete incompetent, as I was able to grease up the old one and put it back on. I would rather replace with a new unit though. Motorcraft was pretty expensive that is why I went with amazon but I may need to rethink that.

 

Ah ok, so you're using an aftermarket pattern part - whilst there shouldn't be any good reason why that doesn't work, i'm no longer that surprised to find non-Motorcraft parts don't work and/or fit - i've seen enough problems with multiple other parts on the forums when a regular part is used instead of factory replacements, you might have to suck up the genuine price

It's a long shot, because the rack shouldn't change height based on the wheels, but the only thing i noticed in the video was to jack the front wheels off the ground - i did see the grease ring on the telescoping part in the vdieo was almost right at the UJ, and in your picture, you're a couple of inches away - looks like that might be the difference.

You bought the $49 shaft?!

I don't see that part number as compatible though, neither Amazon nor a Ford dealer says it is. Try https://www.fairwayfordparts.net/oem...gtZmxleA%3D%3D

This part?

 

Thanks for your help. I'll just go and get the real part now. lol What a waste of time trying to be cheap.

 

Confucio dice, lo barato sale caro. LOL