Front end has a lot of side to side play in the wheels

Good evening,

Can you upload a video of the play for me to see?

Is the play the same on both sides?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-car-steering-works

I attached diagrams of the steering and suspension and circled common points of play.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/lower-control-arm-bushing-replacement

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/upper-control-arm-replacement

Roy

Hi,

When you say side to side play, do you mean when the wheels are off the ground there is play back and forth similar to what would be experienced with bad tie rods? If so, are both sides moving in sync? You indicated there is play in the steering (feels delayed), that could be the result of a worn or out of adjustment steering gear.

Take a look through this information for adjusting it. Let me know if this is something you are comfortable doing. Note: If there are no loose components (tie rods, ball joints, pitman arm, drag link and so on), then likely the play is the gear itself.

______________________________

1998 Ford Truck Expedition 2WD V8-5.4L SOHC VIN L
Meshload
Vehicle Steering and Suspension Steering Steering Gear Adjustments Meshload
MESHLOAD

pic 1

1. Turn the steering wheel from right stop to left stop at least once.

NOTE: The engine should not be running.

2. Remove the driver side air bag.
3. Raise and support the vehicle.

Pic 2

4. Remove the steering sector shaft arm drag link castellated nut.
(1)Remove the cotter pin.
(2)Remove the castellated nut.

Pic 3

5. Use Pitman Arm Puller to separate the steering sector shaft arm drag link.
6. Lower and support the front of the vehicle.

NOTE: The front wheels should not touch the ground.

Pic 4

7. Attach a inch lb torque wrench to the (A) bolt and measure the steering gear meshload from center.

NOTE: Reset the steering gear meshload only if the measured rotating torque for total on-center load is less than specification.

Pic 5

8. Meshload adjustment is necessary if out of specification.
9. Remove the fan blade assembly and fan shroud to access the sector shaft locknut.

Pic 6

10. Adjust the sector shaft to proper rotating torque.
(1)Hold the sector shaft and loosen the meshload adjuster locknut.
(2)Adjust the sector shaft.

Pic 7

11. Verify that the rotating torque is to specification.
- Readjust if necessary.

Pic 8

12. Tighten the meshload adjuster locknut.
(1)Hold the sector shaft.
(2)Tighten the locknut.

Pic 9

13. Install the steering sector shaft arm drag link castellated nut and cotter pin.
(1)Position the steering sector shaft arm drag link.
(2)Install the steering sector shaft arm drag link castellated nut.
(3)Install a new cotter pin.

14. Lower the vehicle.

NOTE: If equipped with air suspension, reactivate the system by turning on the air suspension switch.

15. Install the fan blade assembly and fan shroud.
16. Install the driver side airbag.

________________________________________

Also, check to see if there is excessive play in the intermediate steering shaft. The last two pics below show the universal type joints where they can develop play. The first is in the vehicle and the second is where it attached to the steering gear.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

We will look forward to seeing the video.

Roy

Okay, the video will help me and Joe to narrow it down.

Roy

We are always glad to help.

Roy