Those are interesting symptoms, but conflicting. To be able to rotate the steering wheel freely without the wheels / tires responding suggests the steering shaft is broken. That shaft goes from just under the steering wheel, down to the steering gear. There is almost always at least one universal joint in that shaft. In very rare instances, that joint can come apart, usually after a lot of warning in the form of clunking, rattling, or tight spots when turning.
What you're describing could also be attributed to a tie rod end that has come apart. Older Ford owners are very familiar with that. We used to call them "killer cars" because when one broke, you didn't know if you were going into the ditch or into oncoming traffic. The clue here is one wheel will still turn normally, but the one with the broken tie rod end will usually be flopped all the way to the left or right. It will change direction just by running the vehicle forward or backward.
In either of those cases, you won't be able to drive the vehicle, and those aren't intermittent problems. If you can identify a broken tie rod end, that can be replaced by a competent do-it-yourselfer. I can help with getting it adjusted close enough to allow it to be driven to a shop, but it will definitely need an alignment. Another clue here is you can only turn the steering wheel fully to the left or right the normal number of turns.
If the steering shaft is the problem, the most common source is a salvage yard. I did find it listed on the Rock Auto web site. This is the photo from that site. Dorman makes replacements for popular parts, so this suggests there's plenty of need for it. My blue arrows are pointing to the two universal joints. If one of them has come apart, you'll be able to spin the steering wheel repeatedly in either direction, and you'll hear the shaft clunking as it flops around. Be aware there is another part that will be needed. That is the "clock spring". It's a wound-up ribbon cable in a plastic housing under the steering wheel. It makes the connection for all the switches on the steering wheel, and for the air bag. That ribbon cable is only able to wind up and unwind just a little more that the travel of the steering wheel from lock to lock will allow. Once you spin the steering wheel too much in either direction, that cable will break. The clue is the "Air Bag" warning light will be on. If the horn is where it should be on the steering wheel, that won't work either. Some Ford models have the horn switch on the end of the turn signal lever. If you have that, the horn should still work.
Replacing the clock spring can often be handled yourself, but it may require a special puller to get the steering wheel off. The new clock spring comes locked in the centered position, and must be installed with the wheels / tires straight ahead.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Sunday, November 10th, 2024 AT 11:39 AM
