Really bad road wander

[heuster]

Here is the scoop - I have replaced every piece you can on the front end suspension except for the sway bar bushings. New inner/outer tie rods, new control arms and ball joints, new idler arm. I did not do the pitman arm yet though - I can't find a puller that will fit on it because of all the metal in the way. The pitman arm is in really good shape though - boot is not leaking or anything. So, all new except for pitman arm and sway bar bushings. I also put new shocks on it cause the old ones were leaking.

Problem is...I can drive down the road and it will catch every groove in the road and I am constantly correcting my direction. Steering just feels so loose. I thought road wander was mainly due to tie rods. I do have 20s on it - Pirelli Scorpions that were used, about 1/2 tread left. No suspension work done on the rear at all. This bugs the crap out of me...anyone with any ideas on what to check?

 

[ExplorerTom]

Jack up one front wheel. Push/pull on the wheel in the steering direction. There should be next to no movement detected if all the steering componenets are good and tight.

The pitman arm is a huge PITA. I got it to work but i loosened the steering box some.

Could also be the tires.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Here is the scoop - I have replaced every piece you can on the front end suspension except for the sway bar bushings. New inner/outer tie rods, new control arms and ball joints, new idler arm. I did not do the pitman arm yet though - I can't find a puller that will fit on it because of all the metal in the way. The pitman arm is in really good shape though - boot is not leaking or anything. So, all new except for pitman arm and sway bar bushings. I also put new shocks on it cause the old ones were leaking.

Problem is...I can drive down the road and it will catch every groove in the road and I am constantly correcting my direction. Steering just feels so loose. I thought road wander was mainly due to tie rods. I do have 20s on it - Pirelli Scorpions that were used, about 1/2 tread left. No suspension work done on the rear at all. This bugs the crap out of me...anyone with any ideas on what to check?

Have you checked and set the correct air pressure in the tires?

I have a 2015 Expedition Limited 4x4 - which came standard with 20" wheels.

Did you install the 20" wheels and tires and change from a different size rim? Are the rims aftermarket? What was the purpose of changing to 20" rims (if they were not standard / optional on your vehicle)?

 

[reece146]

Alignment.

 

[1955moose]

Alignment will only correct pulling to one side or the other, it will not correct tire shaking, or road wander. It's just to keep tires running down the road true. Has your SUV been in an accident? Try rotating the tires, probably not your problem, but it's free.if you have a bad steel belt in the tire, it will cause drifting, and all kinds of grief. When my idler and pitman arm went bad, you can see it moving around when rocking the tire at 3 and 9 o'clock. As far as removing the pitman arm, the old one can be cut off carefully, using a air chisel or remove the whole assembly, then remove arm with puller. But check it for movement first. Also be sure your steering box isn't worn. Along with wheel bearings. Keep us posted.


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[whitelightning99]

play in the steering box ?? maybe

 

[ExplorerTom]

If you have too much toe out, the steering will feel very sporty. Don't know if "wander" would be how I describe it, but maybe if it's not too much toe out.

 

[1955moose]

My steering box on my 4x4 is worn. What I notice is drifting left and right due to having to compensate for the play. But it doesn't wander, just meanders is I guess best word for it. His problem sounds like loose parts, we'll need to hear his response to the questions we asked.


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[reece146]

Incorrect toe and/or caster can give the impression of "wander".

 

[1955moose]

True they can, take your SUV to an alignment shop you trust huester, if anythings loose, they can do an inspection, usually free of charge. Then you have the choice of getting dirty yourself, or having them do it. Still haven't heard back as to was your vehicle in any major accident. By the way I have 20's on my SUV, it doesn't wander. Loose steering can be so many things,it's time to quit changing parts, and have it checked out by a pro!


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[The Swagonmaster]

To add to all of the normal front end problems is the fact that the wheels were replaced. If the wheel offset is different, road walk is a common complaint due to the altered geometry. Also don't discount the possibility that a worn part in the rear is "steering" the truck.

 

[1955moose]

You know I read your comment about aftermarket wheels,and since I've got cheap chrome 20 inch wheels on mine, I was paying attention as to if mine felt loose. Answer is no, I had pitman and idler arm replaced. The rest of my front end except for steering box is tight. I have 86k miles. Mile drifts a little because of steering box, but doesn't feel loose. Forum member, needs to have shop, if he can't do a full front and rear suspension inspection, and I can't emphasize that you use a reputable shop to do diagnosis. 1 1/2 years back, I had a shop that sold me tires, tell me I needed lower ball joints, wanted $800.00. Later that week, jacked it myself, to find ball joints had 0 play, but idler arm and pitman arm were wasted. Took all my strength not to go off on him.


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[GAINMOB]

I don't think you have a problem at all with your suspension...because u have 20s...u have a wider wheel and this happens with everyone with wider wheels...9.5...10...wide wheels...I have 26s...same thing happens...I had 24s...same thing happened...22s on my wife's car...same thing...20s on my son's car...same thing...if the groves are deep in the roads which u can see sometimes with your eye...this will happen...it will happen when switching lanes as well...this is mostly common on asphalt roads...not on concrete or mix roads where they used other elements like Florida does...nothing you can do but keep hand on wheel with positive control...my wife complained all the time...she's used to it now

Mr. 10K

 

[heuster]

I don't think you have a problem at all with your suspension...because u have 20s...u have a wider wheel and this happens with everyone with wider wheels...9.5...10...wide wheels...I have 26s...same thing happens...I had 24s...same thing happened...22s on my wife's car...same thing...20s on my son's car...same thing...if the groves are deep in the roads which u can see sometimes with your eye...this will happen...it will happen when switching lanes as well...this is mostly common on asphalt roads...not on concrete or mix roads where they used other elements like Florida does...nothing you can do but keep hand on wheel with positive control...my wife complained all the time...she's used to it now

Mr. 10K

I think this is it man. I've never had a truck with this size tires on it so I'm going to say that is the culprit. I had the entire front end checked out and EVERYTHING is super tight. The steering shake they said they think it to be the tires. I bought them used and there could have been an issue with them and that's why the dude sold them. It sucks, but the only way to test it is to put new tires on it. Until then, I'll just deal with it I guess. I might try rotating them and see if it may just be something with the tire that is on the front. Maybe putting it in the rear will solve something.

Pitman arm is on the list...I know I'm just going to have to unbolt the steering box to get it off.

You guys are awesome!

 

[heuster]

To add to all of the normal front end problems is the fact that the wheels were replaced. If the wheel offset is different, road walk is a common complaint due to the altered geometry. Also don't discount the possibility that a worn part in the rear is "steering" the truck.

I haven't even checked the rear. What should I look for back there that could affect road wander? Any suggestions?