My son has a 94 F150 that the horn wouldn't work on, air bag light stayed on, and had a grinding whenever you turned the steering wheel (whether moving or not). Sometimes the grind turned to a catch when you were driving and the steering wheel actually required more force to turn it.
Our sure bet was to replace the clock spring. Now the horn works, the airbag light goes out, but the grinding and catching is still there in the wheel. I'm thinking it's too dangerous to drive, but I don't know where to look next. I've had folks tell me to check the power steering fluid and pump, but you can actually feel metal against metal through the wheel when you're turning it. It feels like it's right behind the wheel. I've also been told to check the steering shaft bearings and that it felt like the steering wheel lock was trying to engage while he was turning the wheel. The steering wheel is tight on the column, but it's got just a little bit of wobble in it. Truck has tilt wheel and the symptoms don't change regardless of the position of the wheel. This definitely isn't a squeak. It's a grind. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also, where can I find diagrams of the inside of the steering column? Neither Chilton or Haynes go into much detail. Thanks.
John
Birmingham, AL
Our sure bet was to replace the clock spring. Now the horn works, the airbag light goes out, but the grinding and catching is still there in the wheel. I'm thinking it's too dangerous to drive, but I don't know where to look next. I've had folks tell me to check the power steering fluid and pump, but you can actually feel metal against metal through the wheel when you're turning it. It feels like it's right behind the wheel. I've also been told to check the steering shaft bearings and that it felt like the steering wheel lock was trying to engage while he was turning the wheel. The steering wheel is tight on the column, but it's got just a little bit of wobble in it. Truck has tilt wheel and the symptoms don't change regardless of the position of the wheel. This definitely isn't a squeak. It's a grind. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also, where can I find diagrams of the inside of the steering column? Neither Chilton or Haynes go into much detail. Thanks.
John
Birmingham, AL
Jun 6, 2010 at 8:41 AM