Two problems related to steering wheel have been reported for the 1996 Ford Econoline. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
First time: pulling out of parking lot. Steering wheel jumped off center. At dealer when mechanic said nothing wrong. At home when steering wheel became difficult. Steering gear started to move. Managed to get to dealer & mechanic saw 2 of 3 bolts sheared off & repaired it. Second time: leaving parking lot when a loud snap was heard. Pulled over. Had vehicle towed to dealer. Had no steering control. Towed to dealer. Mechanic said no bolts at all on steering wheel.
First time: pulling out parking lot. Heard a noise steering wheel jumped off center. Took to dealer & mechanic found nothing. Steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. Steering gear started to move. Managed to get dealer. Again. 2 of 3 bolts had sheared off. Second time was on 5/7/96:upon leaving for home when a loud snap sound was heard. Pulled to side of road. There was no steering control. Had vehicle towed to dealership. This time mechanic found no bolts holding steering wheel to column. All three had sheared/broken off.