2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission steering/binding problem???

[JDunn1]

First timer... . Has anyone experienced what I think is steering system or front suspension binding issue when turning either direction from a stop. It only happens from a stop and is fine going down the road at speed. When you move from a stop, begin to turn right or left, you feel what I can only explain as a binding or drag feeling. Not smooth. and it does it when the wheel returns to straight also. I can sit still and crank the wheel left and right and DO NOT experience the drag. Only when moving from a stop. It feels like my old F-250 4X4 did when you make hard turns or extreme turns IN 4X4. So, I checked that the 4X4 selector was in 2wd. I can feel it in 4wd or 2wd. Any clues... Thanks Jimmy 02' 2500 CTD,QC, 4X4, short box, Stock eveything

 

[TFabian]

Could be one of the front axle U-joints. Mine had the drivers side fail with similar symptoms.

 

[Alphacowboy]

could this be because his is a 2002 model, therefore not having a CAD?

 

[Houston Dually]

I just went thru a steering/brake problem. The steering was very rough and felt like it was on the bind when turning from a stop, or making a turn at very slow speed such as in a parking lot. At first we concentrated on the braking, because the brake pedal would go all the way to the floor at very low speed when the steering was binding. Thought maybe it could involve the hydro-boost system.



After a lot of searching we found the problem stemmed from a bad wheel bearing on the front right, (also fairly worn front axle U-joints too). The bearing was the main culprit though and was causing the right hub to cant, which applied excess pressure to the rotor/brake when turning, causing the system to bind at slow speeds and in turns.



We came to find that even though the bearing was in really bad shape, there was no symtoms at normal street or highway speeds -- no shimmy, shake, binding, etc. Ended up replacing a good portion of the front end, and got a hefty invoice from the mechanic. Might be a place to start looking.



Houston Dually.

 

[vssman]

I had a similar problem and it turned out to be a bad front axle u-joint. Jack up the front end with the wheels turned and try to rotate each wheel by hand. Then repeat with the wheels straight. I would suspect the axle joint if the wheels turn easier after this test.

 

[JDunn1]

Pretty much thought it might be axle u-joint related. Started looking around and did that test wth wheels in the air with wheels turned then straight. There is binding with them turned..... I really appreciate all the feed back. Thanks

 

[damon]

I have a similar problem, I think

I am having a similar problem, but different enough so I thought to ask.



This only happens below about 10 mph, and from a stop when turning (usually to the left. ) In my case, I feel some binding, then it feels like the wheel is shaped like a big egg until the steering is straightened out. I have a couple of times heard a pop noise just before things go back to normal.



Is this just another symptom for the same issue ? Should I be looking at wheel bearings and u-joints or something else ?



I am starting to be nervous to even drive the truck, as it really feels like something is going to fall apart up front !!

 

[TFabian]

Sounds like one of the U joints. Mine wasn't noticeable above a slow speed. They are pretty easy to check.