Steering Column Repair: loose steering column, ford f 250, shaft ridge

Question
QUESTION: Hi Doug,
I recently acquired a real gem from a customer of mine, a 1990 Ford F-250. It has a couple of issues, one of which being a loose steering column. I'm guessing this was caused by someone repeatedly using the steering wheel to pull themselves up into the cab(the truck has a 4" lift kit..). This seems to be a basic column, no cruise, tilt or other caveats. Am I correct in assuming that the most likely cause is a worn out knuckle(also known as the bearing and race?)??
Is there anything funky about the 90 F-250 I need to know before I jump in with both feet?

Thanks in advance,

Dale


ANSWER: Hi Dale:

The Ford column, although it has a knuckle, is not the problem.  The problem is as you said, a worn out bearing and race...possibly the lower housing mounts.  You really won't know what has gone bad until you take it apart.  I would suggest you remove the steering wheel, look at the upper bearing and snap ring and see if it's still in place.  Most times, the snap ring jumps off and then nothing holds the bearing and shaft tight.
If it is in place, then the problem is in the lower end just before the dash.  There are bolt that can be tightened from the bottom looking up inside the lower shift bowl.  Often these bolts stretch or come loose.

I hope this helps you some.

good luck
Doug

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Doug,
Thanks, I'm sure it will. Just wondering what might cause the snap ring to pop off?

Thanks again,
Dale  

Answer
Hi Dale:
I've seen the snap ring get weak and the shaft ridge become worn, just plain wear and tear.  If it's come off once, it will come off again and needs to be replaced.  If that is the case, feel free to re-groove the shaft a little deeper and tighten the snap ring (without breaking it).

D