HELP! I can't keep it in a straight line!

[hdfatboy08]

Hi everyone, I am long-time lurker, newbie to posting though. I have a 2000 F350 TD CC, and I've been having this steering problem for a while but gradually it's gotten worse. Basically what happens is when I am driving, if I make a sharp turn all of a sudden my steering will get stuck in that direction and if I go to correct it, it jerks to the opposite direction causing me to zig-zag (like a drunk driver), it will do this for a little while then all of a sudden it will go away and then the problem might not show up for weeks again. What's really concerning me now is that it is now turning into a violent jerk from left to right and vice versa so much I am afraid I am going to cause an accident. I took my truck to Big-O, and the guy didn't know what the problem was and basically told me my tie rod needs replaced (have some play in the steering wheel) and his guess for the violent steering problem was the steering box but was not confident. I read somewhere online that this is a common issue and that the ball joints need to be replaced but I want to make sure of this before I go in for work done on it. Also, I was wondering if anyone might be able to help me out with a guess on how much the following work will cost with parts and labor?

1) Total ball joint replacement
2) Full brake job (rotors, pads, calipers in front)
3) Tie Rod
4) Allignment

I'm still new to my truck, I just barely bought it last year so I apologize if my questions are a little naive. Anyway, thank you for the help!

[Tyler]

With all that stuff being done to it, if you have a shop do it, I'd say your looking at $1300-$1700

[hdfatboy08]

does that sound like what is causing the steering problem though? I just want to make sure so I am not paying a lot of money to keep replacing parts

[bockhold]

what about the steering box? that might be bad.

if yoi turn the wheel, do the front wheels move also?
does your power steering fluid leak?

[boots16]

Originally Posted by hdfatboy08

Hi everyone, I am long-time lurker, newbie to posting though. I have a 2000 F350 TD CC, and I've been having this steering problem for a while but gradually it's gotten worse. Basically what happens is when I am driving, if I make a sharp turn all of a sudden my steering will get stuck in that direction and if I go to correct it, it jerks to the opposite direction causing me to zig-zag (like a drunk driver), it will do this for a little while then all of a sudden it will go away and then the problem might not show up for weeks again. What's really concerning me now is that it is now turning into a violent jerk from left to right and vice versa so much I am afraid I am going to cause an accident. I took my truck to Big-O, and the guy didn't know what the problem was and basically told me my tie rod needs replaced (have some play in the steering wheel) and his guess for the violent steering problem was the steering box but was not confident. I read somewhere online that this is a common issue and that the ball joints need to be replaced but I want to make sure of this before I go in for work done on it. Also, I was wondering if anyone might be able to help me out with a guess on how much the following work will cost with parts and labor?

1) Total ball joint replacement
2) Full brake job (rotors, pads, calipers in front)
3) Tie Rod
4) Allignment

I'm still new to my truck, I just barely bought it last year so I apologize if my questions are a little naive. Anyway, thank you for the help!

(1) jack the front up off the ground, if you can tilt the wheel while prying on it from the ground and opposite replace them. @$260 from powerstrokeshop.com

(2)make sure nothing is hanging up (the slid pins on calipers)

(3)if you cant grab it and move it..........use rubber malet just to make sure.

(4)i would take it to a shopfor that if you dont have the tools to do it right.

if none of those work replace steering box. you can tighten it up but do it a 1/4 turn at a time and drive.

had the same problem as you,replaced steering box and all good

just my .02

[jpms]

sounds more like a steering box problem, ball joints make a popping noise, have had a truck get stuck turning from bad u-joints on the front axle, is the truck 4wd.

[pheasanthunter]

I have the exact same problem in my 05, I have had a mechanic look at the front end he says everything is fine, he thinks it is the steering gear too. Just seems wierd that a steering gear would do this?

[Ridin Dirty]

I logged on and was looking for the right place to post that mine is having the EXACT same problem.
Mine definitely feels like a fluid issue. I had the power steering system flushed and it was actually better all the way to Tennessee and back last weekend but come Monday morning it was right back again. What started out as a gradual pull of the steering wheel to one direction or the other has now become pretty violent from time to time.
Now tonight I drove it for the first time since yesterday morning the problem was not there for about an hour. I was turning both directions many times and then suddenly it was back again.
Like was mentioned above, a mechanic has suggested the steering box but was not sure. Said there was some sort of valve in there that might be hanging up. Does anyone know for certain what the problem is before I buy a box and go through the hassle of installing it?
Thanks

[pheasanthunter]

Originally Posted by Ridin Dirty

I logged on and was looking for the right place to post that mine is having the EXACT same problem.
Mine definitely feels like a fluid issue. I had the power steering system flushed and it was actually better all the way to Tennessee and back last weekend but come Monday morning it was right back again. What started out as a gradual pull of the steering wheel to one direction or the other has now become pretty violent from time to time.
Now tonight I drove it for the first time since yesterday morning the problem was not there for about an hour. I was turning both directions many times and then suddenly it was back again.
Like was mentioned above, a mechanic has suggested the steering box but was not sure. Said there was some sort of valve in there that might be hanging up. Does anyone know for certain what the problem is before I buy a box and go through the hassle of installing it?
Thanks

I have talked to several Ford mechanics and they have been changing alot of steering gears out because people are having the same issue. I really didn't want to put in a steering gear either, but I have ordered it. I just think that it is strange to have a bad steering gear in a vehicle with 80000 miles on it.

[Ridin Dirty]

I had the steering gear replaced and while it was apart replaced the axle joints. Drove it about 500 miles over the weekend and it has been perfect. I would definitely go after the steering gear box.