Power steering problem

Tiny
TJW4979
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD RANGER
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 187,000 MILES
Replaced steering rack, all four shocks, upper and lower ball joints, tie rods, steering bled, and had vehicle aligned.

Problem is while driving steering wheel is centered and alignment is good, turn left there is a one second delay approximately between the steering wheel and the rack turning the wheels. When straightening the turn the steering wheel stays in the ten o'clock position and drives straight until a right turn and then there is another one second delay between the steering wheel and the rack turning the vehicle wheels. After the turn the steering wheel is centered again until another left turn, in which the problem repeats itself. Does not have the problem or it is not noticeable at slow speeds under 10 mph, problem is noticeable at greater speeds. No noise or fluid leaking.
Friday, April 12th, 2019 AT 5:01 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,916 POSTS
Sounds like the steering gear is loose and is able to slide sideways. The mounting system used on your truck doesn't really lend itself to that unless the mounting bolts are loose or the rubber bushings are deteriorated or missing. Also, check if there were metal sleeves inside those bushings that remained with the old assembly and didn't get transferred to the new one.

To verify this is the cause, have a helper slowly move the steering wheel back and forth about 1/8th turn each way while you watch for movement between the steering gear and cross member.

Less common would be play in the steering couplers on the steering input shaft, but that is not likely to first occur when replacing the rack assembly.
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Friday, April 12th, 2019 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
TJW4979
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
You got it, rack was moving, problem solved! Thanks
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Sunday, April 14th, 2019 AT 4:42 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,916 POSTS
Loose bolts? Worn bushings? Or was something broken?
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Sunday, April 14th, 2019 AT 7:59 PM
Tiny
TJW4979
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The 2 nuts, for the rack bolts inside the crossmember, were snugged but not tight, problem went away after tightening.
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 4:33 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,916 POSTS
Dandy. Happy to hear you solved it.
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 5:20 PM

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