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2004 F150 Steering Issues

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Old Oct 10, 2010 | 03:31 PM
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Default 2004 F150 Steering Issues

It just started happening to my 2004 f150 STX 4x4. The problem is, the steering sticks when you start your turn and will not self center when exiting the turn. If you try to let the wheel slide through your fingers when exiting the turn, the steering sticks and you have to exit the turn by turning the wheel. Does anyone know of any safety recalls on these? Or, at the very least point me towards what I need to replace (I tend to fix most issues myself)?

Thanks!

Edit: I just checked the tie rods, CV joints and ball joints...and everything was nice and tight with no visual issues. When turning the wheel while stopped, you cannot simulate the problem. It is only while moving AND turning that this occurs.

Last edited by mustangcrazy; Oct 10, 2010 at 03:38 PM.
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Old Oct 10, 2010 | 06:56 PM
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Sounds like you need an alignment on your truck.
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Old Oct 10, 2010 | 09:13 PM
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Check the U-joints (or rubber equivalent) in the steering linkage.
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Old Oct 11, 2010 | 12:08 PM
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i am having this same problem...(05 lariat scab)

turning the wheel difficulty is between normal steering and when you have no power steering. Starting to get real annoying, i looked at all my ball joints and steering linkage and can not see anything that looks worn, going to a garage tonight
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Old Oct 11, 2010 | 04:53 PM
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the ball joints on these trucks are sealed and are probably dry and getting stiff by this point.
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Old Oct 12, 2010 | 06:07 AM
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It was the steering linkage U-Joints. I sprayed them down with a little WD-40 and they are back to normal!

Thanks!
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Old Oct 12, 2010 | 12:25 PM
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Originally Posted by mustangcrazy
It was the steering linkage U-Joints. I sprayed them down with a little WD-40 and they are back to normal!

Thanks!
the steering linkage u joints are the ones exposed at the top of the engine bay i'm assuming? if thats all it is it will be sweet
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Old Oct 12, 2010 | 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by demarco5
the steering linkage u joints are the ones exposed at the top of the engine bay i'm assuming? if thats all it is it will be sweet
You got it man.
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Old Feb 6, 2012 | 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by mustangcrazy
It was the steering linkage U-Joints. I sprayed them down with a little WD-40 and they are back to normal!

Thanks!
I'm having a similar problem on my 08 Scab. Do you have a picture of the U-joints so I can spray the right part? That'd be a huge help.
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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 06:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Monkzy
I'm having a similar problem on my 08 Scab. Do you have a picture of the U-joints so I can spray the right part? That'd be a huge help.
I'm sorry, I don't. Do a google image search for a F150 Steering U-Joint. They all look similar.
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