Dealing with Steering Problems in Ford Trucks

As with any other vehicle, Ford trucks require steering maintenance. Parts wear out, especially if you drive your truck in rough conditions, such as going off-road or using it on a farm. Even driving on paved roads can eventually wear parts. Some of the problems you may encounter with the steering on your Ford truck include:

• Power Steering Fluid Leaks: The power steering could develop leaks at the gearbox, in high and low-pressure hoses, and at the power steering pump. If the system loses enough power steering fluid, it may become difficult to steer. The pump will also grind.
• Alignment Issues: If the alignment is off, it will cause your Ford truck to pull to the side. It also causes uneven tire wear, which also affects steering.
• Vibration in the Steering Wheel: When the steering wheel vibrates at low speeds – usually between 5 to 15 miles per hour, it typically signifies a separated tire. If the vibration occurs at 55 to 75 miles per hour, it usually signifies unbalanced tires.
• Stiff Steering: If it feels difficult to turn the steering wheel, you may have a problem with the power steering pump, or the serpentine belt is too loose or fallen off.
• Loose Steering: Worn steering components, such as ball joints, tie rods, and worn or missing bushings, can cause loose steering.
• Noisy Steering: One of the most common noises Ford steering makes is whining or grinding when you turn the steering wheel. This usually signifies low-power steering fluid but could also mean damaged steering components.
• Too Much Play in the Steering Wheel: A worn steering gearbox or linkage usually causes too much play in the steering wheel. The more you have to turn the steering wheel before the vehicle responds, the more dangerous it is to drive.
• Electronic Power Steering / Adaptive Steering Issues: Many newer Ford trucks have electronic power steering or adaptive steering. If the electronic system malfunctions, you could lose power steering or suffer through erratic steering behavior.
• Hard Steering in Cold Weather: If it’s cold enough, the power steering fluid can thicken or even freeze. You can try allowing your Ford truck to warm up before leaving. If that doesn’t solve it and you continue having problems, you can switch to a synthetic power steering fluid.
• Steering Wheel is Off-Center: An off-center steering wheel usually tells you that something is wrong with the alignment. When the vehicle is misaligned, it can cause the tires to wear faster and allow for less control of the vehicle.
• Erratic Steering Response: If the steering is erratic and the Ford truck doesn’t respond as it should, you may have worn suspension parts or gearbox issues.
• Steering Column Issues: A broken clock spring or ignition switch in the steering column could prevent you from turning the steering wheel. If this happens while you are driving, it could cause an accident. Never put off having steering column issues repaired.
• Steering Wheel Does Not Return: If the steering wheel doesn’t automatically return after you make a turn, you may have an issue with the alignment. You could also have an issue with a kingpin, bell crank, ball joint, or steering column.