Steering Pinion Shaft Problems of Ford F-150

While attempting to turn left (across oncoming traffic lanes) the steering wheel seized after rotating only a few degrees. This was sudden and abrupt with no prior symptoms. Substantial force was applied in an attempt to continue the turn. The steering wheel became free and rotated a few more degrees before seizing again. As before, substantial pressure was applied and I believe some back rotation (wiggling) was input. The steering finally became free and felt normal. This did not repeat again during the use of the vehicle that day. The seizure did not feel like a failure of the steering assist (pump) system as the steering wheel could not be rotated as it can be if the steering pump isn't running. Some research found reference to binding of the u-joints on the intermediate steering shaft located in the engine compartment. Examination of these joints found that they are not protected by rubber boots and showed evidence of corrosion. A spray lubricant was used in an attempt to prevent the issue from recurring. The inability to steer the vehicle is, in my opinion, a substantial safety issue. Any number of scenarios could be imagined, but in my particular case, had the seizure not released, I would have found myself stopped in the path of oncoming traffic with the vehicle only partially turned.

See all problems of the 2007 Ford F-150 🔎.

I had the pump, rack and pinion replaced and the sensor. After all this was replaced some time later the steering got tight . I took it back the the mechanic thought I had another problem. He sprayed a lubricant on both universals on the steering shaft. When it gets tight again I will go and saturate these two universals with a spray lubricant.

In low speed and high speed turns, power rack and pinion, the steering becomes very stiff causing the vehicle to turn hard, feels like the truck has manual steering. This issue is most common on slow speed however I have encountered the issue at highway speeds. Research I have done indicates this is an issue, backed by a member of a local Ford dealership service dept, of a failure of the universal on the lower steering shaft. The part # for the replacement part is as follows. . . #8l32-3b676-b. Ford dealership does not have a recall on this yet, I'm a deputy sheriff who has knowledge of Ford recalling the same type part on the Ford police interceptors which we currently use in our fleet. This loss of steering control is very severe.

See all problems of the 2004 Ford F-150 🔎.

The problem started with about 400 miles on the vehicle. I began noticing a loose/nibble feeling in the steering wheel especially over rough terrain, which is 90 percent of michigan roads. When temperatures get hotter the problem is more severe. I have had 4 power steering rack and pinions (epas) replaced and each time it fixes the problem but for only a few days and then it reappears. I have also had the entire steering shafts replaced and this did nothing. The problem has become much more severe as time has gone by. I am now experiencing the vehicle pulling and jumping while going over uneven surfaces in the road. There are over 1000 people with this exact problem on other public websites. I can now slightly move the steering wheel back and forth while the vehicle is off and you can feel looseness/nibble in steering and also a very loud knocking of parts coming from the rack and pinion (epas). Parts banging against each other is not normal! everytime I put my 6 and 10 year old kids in my truck I fear for their safety along with my own. Ford motor company doesn't want to admit that they have an issue. I have heard from two representatives from Ford that during production of these vehicles it was known that a number of defective rack and pinions (epas) were installed during the assembly. I have also ran into a person that oversees the quality department (won't mention where) but told me that Ford is having all kinds of problems with their steering and told me to have them replace the epas system which I have already had done 4 times. I guess its going to take someone dying before Ford will take action and fix their problems. Its very unfortunate but is the reason why I am reporting this. My next stop is the local news to share my story!.

See all problems of the 2012 Ford F-150 🔎.

Steering shaft cracked at the base where connected to the steering box. I lost my steering completely. Thankfully I was pulling into my parking space at work and was not driving on a road or traveling at a higher rate of speed. I have the old part and was told by the mechanic who is fixing the vehicle to report the incident as in their opinion it is a mechanical defect that may have had deadly consequence. My vehicle is a 1998 Ford f150 and has approx 99,000 miles on it. Although the vehicle is older, it certainly is not the oldest vehicle on the road and I have always maintained it and have never used the vehicle for any off road or hard use.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford F-150 🔎.