Steering Pulls to one side then the other

[Bighead737]

I have a 2003 F350 7.3. Recently, especially after turning, the steering has begun to pull to one side like it's out of alignment. If I somewhat sharply turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction, it'll either correct the problem or cause it to pull in the other direction. I've jacked up the front end and there's what I would consider normal play when grabbing the tire at the 9 & 3 positions. I've also checked tie-rods, etc. and all seem to be secure and without play.

Thoughts?

[HVAC SuperTech]

trac bar? hows the ball joints?

[Bighead737]

No play in the trac bar. Everything is tight. I've had the truck for a year now and the steering has always had a little play in it but has never pulled to the sides until recently.

[thbd77]

maybe ball joints

[Betaracer]

Ball joints, tie rod ends, drag link ends, wheel bearings, steering box, pitman arm are all areas to look at.

[ars5147]

Check the u-joints in the front axle shafts. My 04 did the same thing. It ended up being a froze u-joint on the passenger side. Easiest way to check is put it in 4 wheel drive and the steering wheel will rock back and forth or jack up each side lock in the hub and rotate the tire, you should be able to feel if the u-joint is locked up. Hope this helps. One last thing, before trying the 4 wheel drive test method, jack it up, b/c if its froze and the axles turns it may ruin the axle seal in the knuckle when it turns if it already isn't messed up. Mine was junk and so was the outside axle seal before I even tried that.

[Bighead737]

With the front-end jacked up, I hand rotated each side's ball joints. On the driver side, I was able to rotate. I rotated 90 degrees at a time and checked for grinding, tire wobble, etc. All seemed normal. I then went to the passenger side. I was unable the rotate the ball joint at all.

[HVAC SuperTech]

You know your talking about u joints not ball joints. Ball joints are pressed in to the yokes above and below the u joint. Of you can pull on the 3 and 9 o clock points on the wheel and see the ball joints rocking then they are going bad

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[Bighead737]

Well there you go, my first post and I've already shown my ignorance. Not sure if this is something bigger than I want to tackle but I hate the idea of getting screwed at the Ford dealer to fix this. If anyone knows a reputable/capable mechanic in Minneapolis, let me know.

Found this thread on another chat board and found it informative:

How to replace your Super Duty Ball Joints - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

[Term3]

My Ex was doing the same thing which turned into ball joints on one side and also the CCV joint.