2011 F250 Steering

[danrclem]

I have a 2011 F250 with about 55,000 miles on it. When making a sharp turn it doesn't want to center the steering by itself. I have to take it all the way back to center myself. It steers very easy and really I would say too easy. Is this the way they all work or does the alignment need to be changed?

[danrclem]

I wouldn't think it's worn out after only 55,000 miles but anything is possible. I don't want to even think about a $2,000 repair bill. I'll get under it and try to see if anything is loose.

It does have a stabilizer and I have bought a new one that I'll install soon.

[BILDER]

Does it have a steering stabilizer?

[Grit_dog]

Although binding bjs are more of a new/improper install issue. It’s possible you have a dry one that has not worn loose and exhibiting other issues yet.

[Grit_dog]

lenr wrote:
You've got a worn suspension part for sure or a binding U joint if 4 wheel drive. Even with Ford spec of not a lot of caster it will center if everything is healthy. Son's 2012 350 6.2 started not returning at 200,000. $2000 later it works great. Take it to a reliable alignment shop that you trust to do repair. (I don't trust tire store alignment, generally.)

He has free spin hubs unless he drives around with them locked in all summer, so a binding u joint would be static and it part of the equation.
But if it was locked in, a bind would first be felt as notchy return to center and after that proliferated for a while it would get loose from wear and be clicking and clunking but not binding the steering up.
You do bring up a good point. It is possible but not probable that the auto locking feature is stuck engaged. Although I’ve never seen it happen in ALOT of HD super duty windshield time from 1999 model to 2015 model.
If everything else is smooth, straight, no funny tire wear and competent, my money is still on steering box or sticky ball joint(s). Truck is 11 years old now.
OP, easy test.
Disconnect drag link and see if bjs are binding up.

[lenr]

You've got a worn suspension part for sure or a binding U joint if 4 wheel drive. Even with Ford spec of not a lot of caster it will center if everything is healthy. Son's 2012 350 6.2 started not returning at 200,000. $2000 later it works great. Take it to a reliable alignment shop that you trust to do repair. (I don't trust tire store alignment, generally.)

[danrclem]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

danrclem wrote:
It tracks very good and stays straight when I let go of the steering wheel. I'll have the alignment checked and go from there.

Has anybody else had a problem like this with their Super Duty?

2WD or 4WD ?

It's a 4WD and it has the snow plow package with the heavy front springs. Everything seems to work fine except I have to bring it back to center myself.

[Grit_dog]

If it doesn’t wander and tracks well, not likely a Caster issue.
Sounds more like sticky shuttle valve in steering box maybe.
But hard to diagnose on the internet….

[theoldwizard1]

danrclem wrote:
It tracks very good and stays straight when I let go of the steering wheel. I'll have the alignment checked and go from there.

Has anybody else had a problem like this with their Super Duty?

2WD or 4WD ?

[danrclem]

It tracks very good and stays straight when I let go of the steering wheel. I'll have the alignment checked and go from there.

Has anybody else had a problem like this with their Super Duty?

[RAS43]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
The caster angle needs to be increased. If it is within spec, it is acceptable to be increased more for better centering without causing tire wear.

This!

[theoldwizard1]

The caster angle needs to be increased. If it is within spec, it is acceptable to be increased more for better centering without causing tire wear.

[Gooma]

YES you at least need an alignment. Probably a worn or bent part. Get it done soon, before it fails completely and leaves you stranded somewhere, or worse.

[danrclem]

I really don't think it needs a rebuild but I could be wrong. I've had it for a few years but haven't put very many miles on it. It drove the same way when I bought it. I forgot to mention that it has a 6.2.

[agesilaus]

I just spent over $2K on getting my 2012 F350 4WD 6.7L front end rebuilt, hope that does not happen to you.