steering column

[zingpow]

Has anyone else had problems with their steering columns breaking?

[billthecat97]

I just went through this. Problem started out with a slight grinding/rubbing sound inside the plastic cover just below the wheel.. Over time, it became more and more difficult to turn, and I panicked to find there was actually a side/side, up/down movement when holding the wheel at 9 and 3. I thought it would be easy to find another column, had real problems there. Luckily, I met up with a certified Ford Power Stroke mechanic that owned his own shop and he completely repaired/rebuilt the entire column for me. The bearings had failed and dropped down to the aluminum shaft that connects the wheel to the steering box. It was ground almost half way thru. If I had kept driving it, it could have snapped leaving me with a leather roulette wheel and no way to turn my rig. Unless you are above average talented mechanic with a full tool set, farm this job out. There are about a million pieces and springs and stuff inside that column. Leave it to the pros, and oh yeah, "don't use your steering wheel for a grab handle". Especially if you're a fat cat like me

[zingpow]

Yeah actually i already replaced one and was just wondering if this was a common problem because the latest one is going again. Also if i am able to use a nonpowerstroke column?

[96F350KID]

yes mine when i bought the truck was soooo bad 5-6 inches every which way no joke. I got one out of a 94 IDI F450 and it worked. After looking at the ones in the junk yard as long as you get one that looks like yours it'll work!

[billthecat97]

Anyone else having this problem can check out Steering Columns Galore's Steering Column Home Page and they have rebuilt columns. $400 plus shipping plus $150 core charge (refundable if your old one is). Completely rebuilt one end to the other. From my point of view, a junkyard column may have the same problems as the one that failed in your rig, plus I was surprised to find I could only find one in Oregon. Anyway, she turns like butter now!

[zingpow]

Yeah that's what happened to me hard to find then it is starting to fail

[kullf7]

Had the same problem with my 96 me and a buddy rebuilt it. It was a big pain. Parts were about $350. I wouldn't rebuild one again. I'd leave it to the pros

[billthecat97]

Yeah, I totally agree with you... especially when my pro showed me all of the parts that go into that column. I don't mind wrenching on my own rigs, but that repair was beyond my ability. it's great to know I have somenoe in my area who knows what he's doing!

[slambert]

Pretty common on these trucks. I put in a good junk yard column last year. As mentioned above don't use the wheel to pull yourself in.

[alberta 7.3]

Common issue, especially with a taller truck. People use the wheel as a grab handle to get in.