is it just me or do these trucks just try to steer where they want to?

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

I've noticed on my expy that while going straight I am constantly battling it to go straight. I have to keep on the wheel left or right to stay in my lane. looking at me drive you couldn't tell it but stop correcting for it and it'll be wherever in no time. this issue has persisted even after an alignment which I saw ended up being almost spot on to where it's supposed to be.

the only thing I have done to help the issue get better is un plug the electric connector on the PS pump to have it at full assist even at highway speeds. it makes it more sensitive so the little adjustments I make don't take as long to get to the wheels where sometimes by the time I make the adjustment it needs to go the other way.


TL;DR Steering seems to want to do it's own thing on the highway, tired of chasing it all over the road. all steering components are as they should be as well.

 

[rexster314]

Last time you had 4 wheel alignment?

 

[01yellerCobra]

When was the last time you looked over the front end? Sounds like you have some worn components.

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[IMINYOURCHAIR]

4Walignment was done about three weeks ago. lower and upper ball joints are new, pitman arm has also been replaced. while I was working on that I checked the tie rod ends and all of them were firm as they should be. I might consider replacing them anyhow but I need to know what else can be worn to cause this.

 

[bedrck46]

sounds like you have problems when I am driving and if I let go of the wheel it continues going straight

 

[FordandPolaris]

I had a real issue with my alignment shop in that they couldn't get it right the first (or second) time. After a bit of stick measuring they finally fixed it right and now mine is pretty good about keeping straight too.

I would say do the inner and outer tie rod ends to be sure. Also check the rack where the steering wheel connects to see if there is wear there.

Rotating the tires might be a good free thing to try too.


Sent from the Pocket Computer

 

[Jay87LX]

As F&P said a rounded tire can cause a pulling especially on a larger truck with bigger tires compared to a passenger car

 

[toms89]

Recirculating ball steering certainly doesn't help. Very little feed back and much less precise vs rack and pinion.

That said my expy runs pretty straight but it can wander based on road conditions. Compared to my Sho the steering is definitely lacking.

 

[tonydiv]

I think having full ps boost on the highway would make the truck even more 'darty'.

 

[xJohnnyOx]

I had a similar issue with a Ford Ranger pickup (years ago). Alignment and front end components were spot on, but the steering was always pulling. Turned out to be busted cords in one of the tires (must have hit something hard, like those construction steel plates that they cover holes in the road with). Rotating the tires left to right caused the pulling to go the other way. Upon replacing the full set of rubber (they were due), it was perfectly straight steering again.

 

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

I had a similar issue with a Ford Ranger pickup (years ago). Alignment and front end components were spot on, but the steering was always pulling. Turned out to be busted cords in one of the tires (must have hit something hard, like those construction steel plates that they cover holes in the road with). Rotating the tires left to right caused the pulling to go the other way. Upon replacing the full set of rubber (they were due), it was perfectly straight steering again.

Well, that would be something I would look at if the pulling was consistent. that and the tires were replaced with a brand new set back in jan and they were all dated late in the year '13.. rotating changes nothing that I can tell..

it's really hard to explain the way this truck drives. it just wants to wander if i'm not constantly correcting the wheel