My Steering Wheel Stick When I Turn

10

Asked by Tristan Sep 23, 2013 at 10:21 AM about the 1985 Ford F-150 STD Standard Cab 4WD LB

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hey my ford f150 1985 4x4 steering wheel sticks when I try to turn while driving slowly. I
have to force to in order to turn. What do I do and what is the problem.

2 Answers

58,635

A couple of things come to mind: If someone tried to adjust the steering gear, it will tend to stick in the center and be free every where else. It's an older truck so you may be looking at ball joints. I had to replace everything in the front end of my '87 4x4 because everything was worn out. The old steering gear gets a little sloppy over time but that's just how it goes. If everything else is in good shape with a proper alignment, you'll never notice the looseness. Ball joints, radius arm bushings, tie rods and the like should all be scrutinized. Some Alignment shops will look at it for free and some will charge a little. Have it looked over by a pro that knows what they're looking at - it is a safety item after all.

74,390

I assume you have power steering. Is the pump making noise when you turn the wheel? When I was a lad there was no power steering. The truck to turning was to get the vehicle moving which made steering easier. Next time you are watching an old black and white movie, watch the driver. Either parallel parking or turning a corner the driver always began the vehicle moving first.

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