Eight problems related to steering gear box have been reported for the 1999 Ford F-250. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I drive a Ford F-250 crew cab super duty. I was driving down a main city street at 30 mph when the steering gear sheared off, causing no steering control of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the mechanics urged us to contact Ford due to this being a manufacturer's defect. The steering gear, shock, inner tie rod end, pitman arm, drag link, sway bar bracket, and link kit were replaced. Due to no control, I also side-swiped 2 parked cars.
My truck was involved in a accident. Mention was made by the driver that the steering column seemed to go out. I ignored his comments and simply assumed that he was driving too fast and lost control. On may 11, 2001 I read an article in the kansas city star that indicated your agency was opening an investigation into "fractures in the steering gear shaft of Ford f-series super duty trucks. I faxed the article to the shop repairing my truck. Henry mills, mills automotive, marshall, missouri, inspected the vechicle, called me back almost immediately informing that this sector had broke on my truck. He contacted the local Ford dealer, who I understand went and looked at the vechile and informed mr. Mills that Ford had not issued any bulletins on the problem and could do nothing about it at this time. I decided I should bring this to your attention. Please keep me informed of your findings. I.
I suffered closed head trauma with amnesia in the accident. The truck had no grass or dirt on the front undercarriage. The front body clip was destroyed as well as the side doors and bed. The left wheel steering linkage was sheared off. Turning the steering would not turn the wheels. I read in the paper that you have upgraded investigation on steering problems in this model.
No summary.
6 alignments in 24,000 miles, a broken 14mm suspension bolt, a steering gearbox failure, 3 sets of brakes & rotor/caliper replacement indicates major design/material & quality problems. The vehicle has also left me stranded 5 times for other not listed engine related failures. Ford customer relations is useless, could care less & is non-supportive.
Consumer contacted the dealer in reference to recall number 98v116000, manufacturer's number 98s17. Scheduled an appointment. Took vehicle to dealer, parts were not available.
Nhtsa recall # 98v11600 mfr # 98s17, consumer contacted the dealer to have recall corrected, dealer unaware of recall. Refused to replace any parts.
Recall # 98v116000 Ford/lower control arm. Owner is still experiencing a prolbem with truck after having recall work performed. When hitting a bump, etc in the road, the truck violently vibrates. In some cases, jerking steering wheel from hand.