Driving down the road steering tends to wander left or right and very hard to gain control.
Aug 3, 2019 at 7:40 PM
Unstable steering
1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
KITTYKAT719
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Welcome to 2CarPros.
Most likely, you have worn steering components. Things such as worn tie rods, ball joints, a sector shaft, drag link and so on cause excessive play in the steering. These components can break and cause a loss of steering, so it needs checked.
If you can, lift one side of the front end at a time. Safely support it. Place your hands at 3 and 9 o'clock and see if you can wiggle the wheel back and forth. If you can, have a helper do the same thing as you watch under the vehicle for loose components. Do the same by placing your hands at 6 and 12 o'clock.
If you look at pic 1, I highlighted the sector shaft and the drag link joints. Check them for play. Pic 2 shows the idler arm and a tie rod. Note that there are tie rods on both sides of the vehicle. All need checked.
If everything is tight, confirm the power steering gear is tight. Pic 3 shows the gear. Make sure the bolts are tight.
Here is a link that shows in general how a tie rod is replaced. I'm adding it to help you visualize the part so you can find it easier.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/tie-rod-end-replacement
If everything is tight and there is no play in the wheel indicating a bearing problem, then suspect the steering gear is worn.
Let me know if you have questions or need help.
Take care,
Joe
Most likely, you have worn steering components. Things such as worn tie rods, ball joints, a sector shaft, drag link and so on cause excessive play in the steering. These components can break and cause a loss of steering, so it needs checked.
If you can, lift one side of the front end at a time. Safely support it. Place your hands at 3 and 9 o'clock and see if you can wiggle the wheel back and forth. If you can, have a helper do the same thing as you watch under the vehicle for loose components. Do the same by placing your hands at 6 and 12 o'clock.
If you look at pic 1, I highlighted the sector shaft and the drag link joints. Check them for play. Pic 2 shows the idler arm and a tie rod. Note that there are tie rods on both sides of the vehicle. All need checked.
If everything is tight, confirm the power steering gear is tight. Pic 3 shows the gear. Make sure the bolts are tight.
Here is a link that shows in general how a tie rod is replaced. I'm adding it to help you visualize the part so you can find it easier.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/tie-rod-end-replacement
If everything is tight and there is no play in the wheel indicating a bearing problem, then suspect the steering gear is worn.
Let me know if you have questions or need help.
Take care,
Joe
Images (Click to enlarge)
Aug 3, 2019 at 10:24 PM