Dangerous Issue
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 21
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Dangerous Issue
2004 F 150 SS
5.4 L 4x4
70,000 miles
So let me start by saying I had the living crap scared out of me last night while I was driving. I was traveling about 65 mph on the expressway and when I went to change lanes it felt like my tires were stuck in a rut, I was able to turn but it was soooo stiff. It felt like I was htiting a wall if I turned slightly to left or right, there was no stiffness in between. This was the case either way I turned the wheel. I was able to get around but the steering is very stiff. I checked PS fluid and everything is good and didn't see any leaks. This morning the steering wasn't as stiff, but I noticed then when I made a turn the wheel didn't come back on it's own. Other symptoms that I have noticed before all this started was a bit of friction in the steering wheel and a whirling noise and small vibration coming from the passenger side. I have not done any work on the steering or suspension on this truck. Last week I replaced calipers, rotors and pads, could I have worked air into the system by moving the wheels to their ends? I recently got an alignment and they told me everything looked good except that I had a stuck acuator that I just fixed.
Could it be a steering u joint?
Power steering?
Drive belt?
I do most of my own work so I know my way around, but i am stumped on this issue. I need to get it fixed becuase it is too unsafe to put the family in!
PLEASE HELP!
Moderator (Ret.)
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 9,460
Likes: 486
From: Lake Mary Florida
I'd go after the steering U joint first. You usually do a temporary fix by quirting in some good penetrating oil and working it in by turning the steering wheel left and right. If it gets better, you found your fault. The penetrating oil is only temporary though. You'll want to replace the jount if you find this is the culprit.
