2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission grinding noise when slow turning, poor steering

[VolsFan]

Hi, after having nice tight steering for a while now, been experiencing increasingly sloppy steering and notice especially when I turn to back into my driveway a grinding noise that sounds like a worn down brake pad. Truck is 900 miles away from 200k and still on original u-joints and orginal drivers side ball joints. Im wandering if u-joints cause this, and how do I detect if they are bad? When I jack the front end up, the wheels feel nice and tight, no play, so i assume bearing and balljoints are ok.

 

[S.Morris]

While front end is off ground... tire a couple of inches up. Put a big prybar under front tire and pry up with prybar. You can have someone look at balljoints for play as you do this. I bet you find a lot more than you think.



A bad axle ujoint will usually exhibit some rusting/stain/discoloration on the caps that have gone dry and are failing. If you hold your finger on the cross and gently rock the wheel you can detect play in the joint if really bad (front end still off ground).

 

[JR]

I agree with Mr Morris if it gets worse while turning it sounds like either a bad wheel bearing or axle shaft universal. Look closely for obvious signs of wear, if nothing visible is evident perform tests mentioned above.

 

[VolsFan]

Thanks for replies, been fooling around with it today. All of my tie rod ends are lukes links and appear tight. Have to wait for somebody to get behind the wheel so I can see stuff move. One thing I did see was the bolt that holds the upper end of the track bar,(3rd gen bar) the frame side, was very loose. Tightened that up, bushings are good, doesnt have that many miles on them. I took a digging iron and pried it under the tires as suggested and couldnt detect any play, but again, would be better if another person was doing the prying while I inspect. But just wiggling the wheel to find play, it remains solid on both driver/passenger side, I previously could wiggle the tire when a hub went bad(Couple times on each side) Its never a good time/fun time to change hubs, but if thats the problem, I think I have most of what is needed to do the lockout ford conversion, just a little intimidated by it.

 

[VolsFan]

Fixed, required hub assembly for passenger side. Planned on converting to lockout hubs, but eyeing a newer truck with manual trans and 4 wheel discs, so sadly parting with this one. But steering is nice and tight again! Thanks for replies