28 problems related to steering wheel have been reported for the 1997 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving 15-20 mph steering wheel locked up, consumer was unable to turn steering wheel 360 degrees. Please provide any further details.
Pe 01 033/steering column: while making a turn, vehicle lost control. Tow truck driver informed consumer that steering column separated from gear box.
Pe 01 033 : steering column : noise would appear when making a turn. Dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.
The steering box and colomn became diconected, rendering vehicle unstable. This was an assembly problem not a product defect.
While traveling inside of a parking lot vehicle veered to the right. Steering column collapsed. Dealership is aware of problem.
Was driving on interstate 65, mm 95 approximately 75 mph, when the steering went completely out. Lost total control of vehicle. Local Ford dealership stated that the steering shaft had come off sector shaft. I am concerned that this could happen to someone else. I was able to control vehicle until I came to stop on median. Steering wheel spun freely in either direction. Could have easily been a fatal wreck if this happened on a curve or other vehicles close by.
When I was driving with my son in the car, I lost all steering in my vehicle. My steering wheel just started to spin freely as I was drifting into oncoming traffic. After frantically stopping the vehicle, I had it towed back to my local mechanic. After he inspected the steering column, he discovered that the coupling between the lower end of the steering column and steering box had stripped free. The bolt still remained in the coupler. He checked with Ford and they told him there has been no recall on the lower end of the steering columns (which he was surprised at), but there had been a service bulletin.
While turning steering wheel became hard to turn within a few seconds . Also, steering wheel would shake while turning or driving. Vehicle would be taken to dealer for inspection. Feel free to provide further details.
While driving two bolts which hold the steering shaft snapped in half, resulting in no steering ability which could cause loss of control. The snapping of the bolts did cause loss of control of the steering.
A coupling broke on the steering rod causing a collision ,which resulted in minor injuries. The manufacturer has been notified. Mjs.
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.
Steering column locked up while making a lane change, unable to turn wheel , driver hit a semi head on.
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.
Steering column problem.
Steering column rattles.
Steering wheel vibrates/noisy.
Steering column makes a knocking noise when driving.
When driving or accelerating you can feel vibrations coming through the steering column. When at a dead stop and turning, steeing wheel from left to right there is a dead feeling.
While driving the steering column makes an very loud noise. Manufacturer said that this was under investigation.
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.
Failure of the steering wheel, when driving the steering wheel makes a knocking/grinding sound, causing the consumer to lose control of the vehicle.
There is play in the steering wheel, you have to move it back and forth before it takes affect.
While driving, the steering wheel vibrates and there is a noise coming from the steering column. Consumer feels someting was left out around the steering column.
While traveling and when making a turn, steering wheel would not respond to the turn . Please provide further information.
When driving the steering wheel is hard to turn .
Loose steering shaft; the steering column feels loose when turning .
The steering column makes a watery or whiny noise when turning. I have spoken to others about this via internet bulletin boards and it is not an isolated case. Some have had their entire column replaced and still have a problem. One person I spoke to said there was a TSB in effect and that the tie-rod was the culprit. He further stated that Ford was on back-order for that part and that it was a nationwide problem. However, it is not listed on your site as a recall and my warranty period is up. I have gone to the dealer numerous times and have had no help in diagnosing and solving the problem.
Extreme playness in the steering wheel.