2002 Ford F250 iintermittent steering ghost

2002 FORD F-250
182,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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THOMABB
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I have a 02 F250 7.3 supercab longbed. I have recently started experiencing a steering issue. The wheel will pull relatively hard off center, usually to the left but it has pulled right. It is VERY intermittent. It happens right after a right hand 90deg turn. The wheel doesn't want to go back to straight, then it will lurch (usually left) requiring some force to get back straight. It will continue to jerk until I pull over. After it sits for a minute as I try in vain to find what came loose, the problem is gone. The first trip to the garage got a realignment, but the issue happened again this morning. I can't reproduce the issue on demand.
Apr 9, 2010 at 10:09 AM
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JANDALJANDAL
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I have the exact same problem but also have not been able to find what it might be. I am suspecting the steering gear box but don't know how to check to see it I am right.
May 1, 2010 at 9:54 AM
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THOMABB
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[quote:4be93b48de="jandaljandal"]I have the exact same problem but also have not been able to find what it might be. I am suspecting the steering gear box but don't know how to check to see it I am right.[/quote:4be93b48de]

I found my problem. The U-joints on the front axle were freezing up intermittently. I was on another forum, and apparently this is not uncommon with some 4wd vehicles. If your vehicle is 4wd (especially if it is a Ford truck), pull the u-joints and remove the caps. If there is no apparent wear or damage, grease them up good and reinstall. If there is any sign of wear, change them.

By the way, this "2carpros" forum is a joke. I will never use it again.
May 5, 2010 at 8:41 AM
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