1997 expedition steering shaft / steering

[Miztertorres]

I have a 97 expedition , that alignment is off , but I think there is a problem with the shaft , the steering wanders a lot , I'm starting to feel unsafe , I read other post that mention to check the steering shaft , I looked at it and moved it around , to me it seems to have a lot play .. But how do I know if it have has to much play ? Is there a proper way to check this ? Is there diagrams for the column / shaft . If this is the problem how would I go about replacing it ? Where can I get the parts? Auto zone doesn't not have a shaft ... Any help will help alot .. Thank you in advance ..

97 expedition xlt
2 wheel drive
5.4l

 

[black 4x4]

If all your bushings, inner outer tie rods, lower ball joints, upper control arms and alignment is ok I can tell you with 99.9% certainty that it is you power steering gear box.

I've had the same issue so changed everything including the steering shaft and it turned out to be the gear box.

Unlike the second gen and newer expeditions first gen's has one piece shaft from steering wheel to the power steering gear box that is held by single 13mm bolt on both ends. And after inspecting what I pulled out from my truck, I could tell that it's almost impossible for the U joints to go bad...Almost!

 

[Miztertorres]

Black 4x4 thx for your quick reply , before you changed the gear box , did you check how much free play was In the steering shaft ? My concern is that there to much free play And that leads me to think that my mine problem .how much free play is excessive ?

 

[black 4x4]

This was my steering wheel play. And it wasn't the steering shaft.

http://www.expeditionforum.com/f39/2001-expy-xlt-4x4-steering-wheel-clunk-27040/

And here is what I replaced.


http://www.expeditionforum.com/f42/new-front-end-27130/

 

[Miztertorres]

Thx you I will look into replacing the gear box