2003 Ford F350 truck jerks left and right when driving?

WENDELL77

MEMBER
2003 FORD F-350
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
70,000 MILES

2003 f350 my truck jerks left and right like someone is grabbing the steering wheel. This happens more often when its cold. Sometimes it clears it self up. But lately it sis getting worse. What do I check first. Thanks wendell

Monday, February 8th, 2010 AT 3:08 PM

3 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Check the front axle shaft u-joints for binding. Try turning the wheels side to side with the front end off the ground. If its difficult to turn I suspect it will be you are dealing with a frozen front axle shaft u-joint. The joint may have to be cut out of the shaft if this is the case.

Check for a loose gearbox and tie rod ends as well.

Can your turn the steering wheel while the brakes are pressed?

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Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 AT 7:27 AM

WENDELL77

MEMBER
5 POSTS

After I cut it out are putting new u joints in pretty strait forward or is there any tricks to it? Also any advice for cutting them out? Thanks wendell

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Thursday, February 11th, 2010 AT 1:32 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Generally straight forward, but there are exceptions for sure. Can mess up a yoke if you aren't careful. A press may be nice, but you may have to torch (cut) out the u-joints. It can turn into one of those jobs that you wish you weren't the one doing it. And it is too far to turn around.

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Thursday, February 11th, 2010 AT 7:06 PM