Steering wheel play?

BECKREAC

MEMBER
2000 FORD F-150
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
157,000 MILES

Everytime I take my truck into the Ford garage for routine or scheduled maintenance, I have them check my steering as I have 4"-6" of play in the steering wheel. This is an intermitent problem but usually occurs each and every day that I drive the truck. The mechanics have not been able to duplicate this problem while it is in their garage and have no idea what could cause this and don't want to try anything until they can duplicate. Any ideas on what could cause this much sway in the wheel? I have been able to master the skill of driving this truck but it is still dangerous and nobody else is allowed to drive my truck. Please advise. Tks.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

The fact that this is intermittent makes this hard but the most likely issue is inside the steering gear.

The fact that they cannot find an issue makes us think that the suspension and steering components are tight.

However, when the gear gets hot it may get some slop in the gearing. It is not a common issue but based on this info, it is the thing that makes the most sense.

Here is a guide that will help with steering issues in more general that may help with some other ideas if this doesn't pan out:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems

Please see the process below from the manual that will help with replacing the gear as that is the likely issue.

Please let us know if you have other ideas. Thanks

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