Brian Quinn

I have a 2011 F150 XLT high milage approaching 200k. Over the last few years the steering would stick when backing out of a spot requiring a ton of muscle to break it free. Periodically it would stick at certain degrees when driving but eventually go away. Just recently the sticking is constant making me make constantly make drastic adjustments on the highway at high speeds sticking at the same amount of degrees. It prob looks like a drunk driver behind swivring all over, its also very annoying.

I have read a ton of posts of people with the same problem but couldn't find someone who had a solution.

Anyone know whats up?

RLXXI

1 of 2 things are most likely.

1) Steering shaft between firewall and rack is binding.
2) Steering rack is going out.

Get some spray lube, preferably a silicone based clear and saturate both u-joints on that shaft and work it back and forth many times. Failing that it's time for a new rack-n-pinion.
.

maco

Just as he said above......1st really check the u-joints in that steering shaft.....especially the lower one....(probably it is stiff/sticking etc.) Quick check rotate the steering wheel end to end if it binds up & releases a bit thru this process it is likely the lower u-joint....
That lower u- joint is pretty close to the exhaust manifold & it helps to dry out this joint....
A quick solution (not a fix) is to spray the joints with a quality lube such as fluid film........This usually will let it work for a couple of days/week etc.
This shaft is expensive from blue oval.....I get mine off E-bay approx. $ 55. CDN for pre 2009 & a bit more for above 2009.....New shaft is made in china & u-joints can be replaced but for + $50. why would you!!

Brian Quinn

Thanks so much for your help.Everyone was right it happens when I make left turns. I sprayed the joints as you suggested and it worked for one day. Is this a part i should replace? Should i replace the entire shaft or just the joints??

Brian Quinn

I tried and sprayed the joints it only helped for one day. I would like to replace the shaft as it sounds like I have to. Can you help me find the part on ebay? Is this a part I can replace without a lift?

maco

Spray the crap out of that lower joint with a quality lube (fluid film works) it should last a week or to @ least mine did with 3-400 mile days & it was bad....WD 40 is no good!!....Also joints are not replaceable on the oem shafts..........
I went on ebay just input F150 steering shaft & got results for 2004 to 08 +$30. + shipping....watch the shipping it is all over the place Parts link below
https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_from...shaft&_sacat=0
Not knowing your year etc. I then added 2009 to the header....again parts came up for 09-14......$56. + shipping.....again watch the shipping charges!!
you will see in both year sections dif dealers charge more for the same part if you say punch in Lincoln....Also OEM part was in around ++$200.00 & a Dorman for $350.00 or so??

Shaft is fairly easy to replace...long extension is needed for the top joint 13mm comes to mind....when bolt out just tap with ball pein hammer..
Bottom joint you get from the bottom...I drove mine up on a higher concrete curb...again remove bolt (10mm) then tap out with a hammer & long piece of steel or an extension socket bar....try not to rotate the steering wheel once you start to remove the joints or you will get the top out of sync/centre....shaft only goes on 1 way on each end ...when you turn the top to gain access to get the bolt just remember how much you turned it...same with the bottom.... just thinking it is better to have wheels off the ground so you can rotate shaft to get bolts out ..........remember which way you turned it & both bolts have to be out to remove the shaft!!............ Note: the only difference between the different year trucks 04-08 & 09-14 is the length 09-14 & above is approx. 1-2'' shorter.........Good Luck!!!!!!!!!

audioclock

Where did you end up with this?