As I was leaving the on ramp to enter heavy traffic on I-25 in denver the steering wheel became disconnected where the steering shaft meets the steering gear box. There was no steering capabilities of the pick-up. I was able to stop without causing any problems but was within feet of being in heavy traffic.
1997 Ford F-150: loss of power steering
36 of the 2,746 complaints about the 1997 Ford F-150 describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 36
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 112,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 13 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Loss of power steering by model year
What owners say
Broken bolts to the steering box. No incident involved. Steering control became loose. Diagnosis of problem was a loose steering box from bolt failure. Additional failures of remaining bolts would cause loss of steering control.
Dt: the contact stated the right front steering linkage and tie rod broke, resulting in total loss of steering. The dealer provided a solution at the contact's expense. *ak updated 01/25/06.
While backing out to get on highway consumer ford f150 had no steering. *ts (11/16/05) the steering wheel assembly had broken. The consumers found that a piece on the steering shaft assembly that was made out of aluminum had worn out.
While driving 65 MPH the consumer lost steering power. The consumer was not able to maintain control of the vehicle, and crashed into a guardrail. Upon impact, both frontal air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the steering shaft broke, and needed to be replaced. *ak *sc
Steering failure: my 1997 ford f150 had a steering failure. Vin:[xxx]. The steering shaft separated from the power steering box. The steering shaft connection is aluminum and the gear on the power steering box is steel. The aluminum wore and the steel, naturally did not. Basic engineering failure. Described exactly in recall no. 03s02 a very thorough search showed no recalls or maintenance notices. Please, please, please, if you have a 1997, ford f150 have the connection of the steering shaft to the power steering box check immediately. I cannot imagine a worst failure in a vehicle. No steering. *nm *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
Upon reversing out of an alley at 5 miles intermediate steering shaft separated from the steering gear. This resulted in loss of steering. As a result, consumer lost control of the vehicle and went onto the sidewalk.
Consumer stated that while driving and without warning the steering shaft snapped and caused the consumer to lose steering control. *ts *scc
While driving steering shaft separated from the gear, resulting in loss of steering control. Related recall 03v196000, but manufacturer advises that consumer's vehicle not included even though the vehicle's manufacturing date falls within the range specified.*ak *ph
While driving, the vehicle lost power steering. *ak there was also a squeaking noise in the steering column. *ph
While driving and without warning lost steering control. Dealer notified.
While driving and without warning lost steering control and it will be hard for the consumer to control the vehicle. Dealer notified.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Customer maintenance reminder - literature program 04L19 - tie rod inspection procedure
- Power steering leak - service tip
- Whine from power steering
- Tie rod end inspection procedure
- Tie rod end inspection procedure
- Reduced power steering assist and/or power steering leaks when driven in temperatures equal to or less...
- Steering -alignment-toe set procedure service tip
- Information regarding steering gear leaks from input shaft seals
Related recalls
Steering: gear box: shaft sector
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the intermediate shaft yoke separates from the steering gear input shaft, the steering system becomes disconnected.
- Risk
- This could result in loss of steering control, potentially resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering intermediate shaft yoke to determine if the yoke is fully seated on the steering gear input shaft. If the yoke is fully seated no service is required. If the yoke is not fully seated and bolt groove and spline is visible, the intermediate shaft and bolt will be replaced as well as the bolt at the steering column connection. Owner notification began on may 30, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 03V196000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Ford F-150 power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 1997 Ford F-150?
36 of 2,746 owner complaints about the 1997 Ford F-150 (1%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 2013.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Ford F-150?
There is 1 recall and 13 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Ford F-150
Fire or smoke 210Tire blowout 127Engine failure 121Adaptive cruise 118Knocking 81Overheating 71Ball joint 69Wipers 62No deployment 60ABS 53Brake failure 51Fuel leak 51Stalling 32Check engine light 31Grinding brakes 21Misfire 20Sudden acceleration 18Water leak 18Door locks 17Won't start 17Pulling 16Hesitation 14Won't shift 14Headlights 13Fuel smell 12Seat belt 12Airbag light 11Harsh shifting 11Transmission failure 11Coil spring 10Jerking 10Steering noise 10Steering lock-up 9Loss of power 8Premature wear 8Rollaway 5
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