I have an 05 fx4 and when I turn my wheel to the left I've been noticing that I feel a little bit of resistance in the wheel and it feels like something is dragging somewhere upfront. Normally I wouldn't care but I don't have that problem when I turn to the right. Any ideas what I should check for? I've heard things on the site about the steering shaft needing greased and what not but that doesn't make sense to me that it would do it when turning to one side and not the other?

 

Check to see if its a broken joint where it connects. Looks like a u joint

 

When the u-joint starts to go bad, you will notice all types of weird stuff. Not returning to center, hard to turn one direction, choppiness, etc. You cannot tell if the joint is bad by looking at it, but you can spray it with WD40 or penetrating fluid. That should fix the problem temporarily and confirm that it is the steering shaft.

Instructions for replacing the shaft can be found here:
http://www.f150forum.com/f76/how-rep...08-f150-97069/

 

Thanks guys! I'll try that out tomorrow!

 

I know a lot of guys have had good results using Thrust penetrating oil on the steering shaft u-joint. Actually forms up and lasts several months, whereas most penetrants only give you a couple weeks. Very common problem on these trucks.

 

Can you replace just the u-joints or do you have to replace the whole shaft?

 

Whole shaft I believe.

 

Whole shady as in "whole shaft" or as in just the lower section? I couldn't find it anywhere to find a price.

 

a new shaft runs about $180-200 Rock Auto and the dealers has them

 

Well I tried spraying everything with penetrating oil. Didn't help a bit. Any other ideas guys?