Steering issue Ford Ranger
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Steering issue Ford Ranger
1995 Ford Ranger 4.0 5 speed with 4WD. The steering is very jumpy, examples: 1)When I start driving it will jerk to the right or left at random 2) When I turn to the left or right rather than the wheel automatically returning to center it will stay turned in that direction if I do not turn it back to center.
The fluid seems fine and the belt is OK, are these symptoms of the power steering pump going or is it more likely steering hardware?
thanks
The fluid seems fine and the belt is OK, are these symptoms of the power steering pump going or is it more likely steering hardware?
thanks
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You have a twin eye beam hollow suspension in this vehicle.
It is likely that you have a bent tie rod or really worn out drag link, tie rod ends and trailing arm bushings.
The only way you can adjust caster and camber on this truck is by putting in an adjustable insert in the king pin otherwise the only adjustment is toe-in and toe-out.
Inspect your tie rods, this is very unsafe.
If you walk away from you truck about 4 car lengths and look back do your front wheels lean in or out?
(I had a '96 of same vehicle with similar problems)
It is likely that you have a bent tie rod or really worn out drag link, tie rod ends and trailing arm bushings.
The only way you can adjust caster and camber on this truck is by putting in an adjustable insert in the king pin otherwise the only adjustment is toe-in and toe-out.
Inspect your tie rods, this is very unsafe.
If you walk away from you truck about 4 car lengths and look back do your front wheels lean in or out?
(I had a '96 of same vehicle with similar problems)
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Wheels look straight when I look at from a distance. While truck is parked and running if I reach in and turn wheel I do hear a little noise coming from the power steering pump.
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Most cars and trucks steering should automatically return and find center unless there is something in the linkage so tight that it can't return on it's own (even with the engine off and coasting) so you could probably rule out the pump. (ps pumps are are all noisy on Fords).
Do you have feathering on your front tire treads and if not can you describe what the wear pattern looks like or feels like?
Example......inside or outside tire edges badly worn or steel belts showing through?
Do you have feathering on your front tire treads and if not can you describe what the wear pattern looks like or feels like?
Example......inside or outside tire edges badly worn or steel belts showing through?
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Feathering is a slanted "saw tooth" look and feel.
If you run your hand back and fourth over the tire it feels smoother the one way and catches the other way.
o.k. ,another question for you.
Have you greased the tie rods ends anytime soon or not and do you off-road and drive it through a lot of water and mud?
If you run your hand back and fourth over the tire it feels smoother the one way and catches the other way.
o.k. ,another question for you.
Have you greased the tie rods ends anytime soon or not and do you off-road and drive it through a lot of water and mud?
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You could have a number of different problems as has been stated. After checking for obivious defects and you decide it may be in the power steering unit, I would recommend 'Lucas" power steering conditioner and stop leak.
I am not a believer in "snake oils" but I do not consider Lucas Products to be useless. They have worked for me many times.
About seven yeas ago, my 1977 Dodge PW had a powersteering jurk when it was cold, I drained a little PS fluid and added Lucas and it is still being driven with no PS problems.
This would be a simple and inexpensive repair---if you are lucky
I am not a believer in "snake oils" but I do not consider Lucas Products to be useless. They have worked for me many times.
About seven yeas ago, my 1977 Dodge PW had a powersteering jurk when it was cold, I drained a little PS fluid and added Lucas and it is still being driven with no PS problems.
This would be a simple and inexpensive repair---if you are lucky