Pitman arm & idler arm need replaced after only 40k miles. Steering became unpredictable.
1997 Ford F-150 steering complaints
Page 7 of 8: complaints 161 to 190 of 202, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Steering linkages make popping noises at low speeds & on rough roads. The noise is louder when turning wheel. Developed a lot of play in steering wheel. Problem occurred after warranty ran out. Will be taking vehicle back to dealer.
Consumer is having a problem with the steering. It is hard to manage when doing 4mph, the truck carries to the left or right on its on., the problem has caused consumer to run off the road several times. Dealer has not been contacted.
Bottom leaf separates on both sides of rear spring assemblies & points outward at rear. Loud clunking, rattling & vibration in steering column & dashboard. 2 general tires blew out within 250 miles.
While driving at 6-7 MPH, heard a large bang, and lost steering and vehicle went onto the sidewalk. The vehicle was towed to dealer, and they stated the bolts on the power steering gear sheared off. Dealer replaced the parts with no investigation of the cause or if it will happen again.
While driving about 35 MPH consumer lost steering control due to shaft pitman disconnecting. Dealer was contacted.
Noisy steering, vibration in steering wheel.
On highway driver needs two hands to steer the vehicle. Steering is hard to handle, sometimes oversteering occurs, dealer contacted three times. Dealer has aligned the front end and adjusted the toe, camber and caster, however consumer still complains of steering wheel stiffness, dealer can not remedy. Check engine light illuminated.
Power steering unit is failing to operate properly. Vehicle has been in the dealer shop on four occasions , and has two pumps replaced and the unit still gives off a hissing noise when vehicle is on. Dealer informed consumer that it was normal for the pump to run like that.
Vibration can be felt in steering wheel while driving. Vibration appears to be from suspension/steering gear, not steering wheel itself.
Consumer had taken the vehicle to dealer for repairs of the lugs: nuts:bolts, but dealer did not had the parts to repair vehicle for the first time, and now the vehicle has the same problem. Dealer has been contacted. *ak consumer has became aware of recall 98s14, regarding the lugs/nuts/bolts. Steering not operating properly, it locks up when it rains. Transmission does not operate properly, consumer was informed of recall 97s86, however dealer stated that consumer would have to work with their schedule for repairs. Windshield wipers start by themselves. Turn signals worked too fast, dealer found a loose wire. Brakes did not work efficiently, takes a longer distance to stop. A/c was not cold enough. Serpentine belt was replaced. Door was out of adjustment, making it hard to open from the inside.
Steering column locked up while making a lane change, unable to turn wheel , driver hit a semi head on.
Steering wheel clunks when accelerating and decelerating, and when on bumpy pavement.
While driving over 70 MPH, vehicle wobbled and wheel broke away from vehicle. Vehicle veered to left uncontrollable, ran off the road and crashed into a muddy ditch. No injuries.
When driving the truck hears a loud noise in the dashboard, and the truck is hard to control, it goes all over the road. Took to dealer and was told it was the steering column, they put extensions on the steering column, but the problem is still reoccurring.
Mfr # 97s86 the federal safety agency recall # 97v171000; consumer contacted the dealer to have recall work corrected. Work was corrected. However, the consumer was involved in an head-on collision traveling 15 MPH due to the steering wheel locking up. Consumer also stated the driver's and passenger's side air bags did not deploy.
When driving at approx 40 MPH, goes through 50 MPH,steering wheel will begin to vibrate. Dealer checked the vehicle 3 times. Said it was common problem, cannot fix problem. *ak
When driving at about 70-75 MPH, slightly turning the wheel owner heard a loud noise . He took vehicle into the dealer for inspection and was informed that the inner tie rod was loose. *ak consumer states just 1000 miles prior to the failure, he had vehicle in the shop for the 60000 mile check up.
Power steering failed.
Steering column linkages failed.
While driving down the freeway about 70mph, has to put a lot of pressure on the steering wheel in order for the vehicle to go staight. If taking some of the pressure off the steering wheel, the vehicle will go out of control.
Pitman arm had fallen off from the steering sector shafts due to missing retainer nut and washer, resulting in an accident/injury.
Steering failed.
Steering column rattles.
Steering column problem.
When driving the steering wheel is hard to turn .
Antilock brakes failed 3 times.
Steering wheel vibrates/noisy.
While driving the steering column makes an very loud noise. Manufacturer said that this was under investigation.
When driving and trying to turn the steering overreacts, hard to steer . Please describe .
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