Steering Gear Box Shaft Pitman problems of the 2003 Ford F-150

The contact owns a 2003 Ford F-150. While driving approximately 55 mph the steering wheel became loose and easily turned the vehicle to the left. Once the vehicle began steering towards the left the steering wheel became very stiff and difficult to turn. Within a few seconds, the failure ceased and the contact was able to drive normally. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 03v349000 (steering:gear box:shaft pitman). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 85,000.

When driving steering wheel was very loose. Steering gear was separating and was replaced at the dealer. Trying to find out why my vehicle was not covered under recall NHTSA campaign #03v349000.

Steering gear failure. The vehicle had a large amount of play in the steering wheel. At times loss of steering would occur and you could end up in the next lane.

2003 F-150 supercrew XLT 4wd noise present in front-end. Especially when backing out of driveway sounds like an idler arm or steering linkage (tie rods) also noise in steering gear/pitman arm. Result is loose steering espcially while at high speeds. Loose steering is present even at lower speeds and vehicle tracks road in an unusual fashion. Have discussed with Ford service dept on 4 occasions. They have been unable to provide a remedy. They tell me its characteristic of the vehicle.