Sloppy steering

[Dthiss]

Hi new here, I bought my wife 2020 XLT in November. I don’t drive it much but when I do it seems to me the steering is to loose. The truck floats to much for me and she mentioned it as well. Has anyone noticed this and if so what did you do to tighten it up. I was thinking possibly upgraded coil overs?

 

[JamaicaJoe]

I would start by having the front end checked under warranty.

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[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I would start by having the front end checked under warranty.

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And ensure the tire pressures are correct.

 

[Dthiss]

Thanks for the response. We had the alignment checked already, but I really don’t think it’s an issue. It just floats too much. Like it needs stiffer shocks. My 2021 F250 Tremor had a similar issue real light steering. I put a Fox ATS adjustable steering stabilizer on it, of course completely different front ends but that significantly helped that situation.

 

[Dthiss]

And ensure the tire pressures are correct.

Pressures are correct.

 

[dlcorbett]

The regular shocks are notorious for goin bad quick, so that's something to look at. Does your xlt have 18s or 20s, the two inches definitely changes the ride characteristics. Have you tried cycling through the different drive modes? I can tell you, if the steering feel is loose, somethings wrong even in eco mode.

 

[cfldad]

I think it could be the power steering. I vaguely remember reading in the manual that it essentially trains itself like the transmission.

here we go....


Adaptive Learning
The electronic power steering system adaptive learning helps correct road irregularities and improves overall handling and steering feel. It communicates with the brake system to help operate advanced stability control and accident avoidance systems. Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, you must drive your vehicle a short distance before the system relearns the strategy and reactivates all systems.

I wonder if this could be it. I test drove an expedition with 5800 miles on it and the steering had a ton of play. Mine does not... yet

 

[Calidad]

And ensure the tire pressures are correct.

For sure tire pressure!!! Check it. My 2019 Platinum gets really floaty, wandering ish when the tires get soft on pressure.

These big lazy boy highway cruisers are very floaty to start with but the Expedition drives nice goes where you point assuming the tires are at the right pressure. When they are low psi it for sure is noticeable and not enjoyable

 

[JamaicaJoe]

My 01 bought 2nd hand from a dealer 24K miles had lots of play and looseness in the front end. I played with lowering the rear tire pressure and it improved. However at 34K while in warranty the pitmann arm was worn as was the steering shaft. At 45. K I put a lot of money into the front end and it drove right again. The tie rod ends are "lifetime lubricated" and apparently that lifetime is 15K miles based on the inspection notices I received from Ford after spending $1800 in repairs.

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[Calidad]

My 01 bought 2nd hand from a dealer 24K miles had lots of play and looseness in the front end. I played with lowering the rear tire pressure and it improved. However at 34K while in warranty the pitmann arm was worn as was the steering shaft. At 45. K I put a lot of money into the front end and it drove right again. The tie rod ends are "lifetime lubricated" and apparently that lifetime is 15K miles based on the inspection notices I received from Ford after spending $1800 in repairs.

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The F150’s and the Expedition have car steering systems now not prone to the same issues as the F250 and Jeep ie death wobble due to worn out bushings and loose ball joints on the Pitman

 

[JamaicaJoe]

I think the front end components are under specified for these heavy vehicles. I had an 1993 E350 van and it was built like a tank. You could not break the running gear.

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[Dthiss]

All good info guys, please keep it coming. This truck now has 12k miles on it. She drives 500+ miles per week. It has done this from new though. The truck has Hankook Dynapro AT2 P275/55R20 tires. Tire pressures are 47 lf 48 fr 46 lr 47 rr according to Ford Pass,

 

[sjwhiteley]

I’d also add that it depends what vehicle you are comparing it to. It does have very light steering, with little feedback. It ain’t no sports car, that’s for sure.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

All good info guys, please keep it coming. This truck now has 12k miles on it. She drives 500+ miles per week. It has done this from new though. The truck has Hankook Dynapro AT2 P275/55R20 tires. Tire pressures are 47 lf 48 fr 46 lr 47 rr according to Ford Pass,

Ford’s recommended cold tire pressure for the 20” tires on your vehicle are 39 psi.

 

[Calidad]

All good info guys, please keep it coming. This truck now has 12k miles on it. She drives 500+ miles per week. It has done this from new though. The truck has Hankook Dynapro AT2 P275/55R20 tires. Tire pressures are 47 lf 48 fr 46 lr 47 rr according to Ford Pass,

I think your on the too high end too much pressure for sure makes cars twitchy snd reduces contact patch. Haven’t tried high pressures in my expedition yet but past trucks drove horribly on high pressures

 

[Dthiss]

Ford’s recommended cold tire pressure for the 20” tires on your vehicle are 39 psi.

you are correct I just checked the door 39 is correct. I’m not sure why I put what I did. Actual is 40 all the way around, except for left rear is 46. She had a flat there a few weeks ago. I must have pumped that one to high.

 

[Calidad]

you are correct I just checked the door 39 is correct. I’m not sure why I put what I did. Actual is 40 all the way around, except for left rear is 46. She had a flat there a few weeks ago. I must have pumped that one to high.

I noticed if I had a 3-4lb difference between sides it did wander more to one side.
I think these big wheel/ sporty tire combos have more dramatic impact on handling when they aren’t right on the numbers. Vs my old truck on boring 17’s with thick rubber was far less finicky on pressures

 

[dlcorbett]

Again, sport mode!

 

[Dthiss]

Again, sport mode!

I will try it

 

[lbv150]

Check tire pressures cold in the morning before the sun hits the tires and heats them up with a digital gauge.