2003 Steering Problem: Steering Wheel Sensitivity at High Speed

[sledgehammer]

Sport Trac Community - Looking for advice / insight on a recent steering problem on our 2003 Sport Trac. Recently my daughter reported a steering problem which I have verified. The truck has 85K miles.

The truck is very sensitive to steering wheel inputs above 60 mph. I describe it as very "twitchy".

Had the Sport Trac checked by a reputable alignment shop (he does my my other vehicles and is very forthright). He checked the alignment, then drove the truck and agreed there is something wrong but is not sure what it is. The alignment specs are all nominal with essentially each of them in the middle of the allowable tolerance. He thinks it may be a speed sensor which provides feedback to increase the steering forces as the speed of the vehicle increases. Called my local Ford dealer and the person I spoke to in parts did not know anything about a speed senor for the steering. He suggested I bring it in for the Ford alignment specialist to check it out. Not sure what to do now other than take it to the local Ford dealer and let them check it. Anyone have any other suggestions or insight?

Thanks, Sledge

 

[Clusterpup]

I think you stumped the guys on here. I know I can't think of a reason my steering would feel like a sports car above 60mph.

 

[sledgehammer]

Thanks for the feedback Clusterpup. Plan to take it to the local Ford dealer to see what they can find.

 

[ncranchero]

IDK, maybe the pump is over-pressuring but that would change with RPM's also, bad control valve in the rack?

 

[RNGRDVE]

G.M. calls it an EVO sensor, I'm not sure what Ford calls it. There is a sensor that adjust the amount of power steering assist for the speed of travel. At higher speeds less assist is needed. I would think you have a EVO / steering position sensor failure or poss a pump failure.

 

[sledgehammer]

Thanks for the additional ideas. Going to the local dealer on Thursday for them to check. Will let you know their assessment.

 

[roamer37]

Have you found the problem yet?

How you doing with the steering problems? My Trac does somewhat the same thing have not found it yet, Think its a bad front hub and inner tie rod end, Going to look at it more this weekend if the weather holds.. Get back with me if you have found anything please... Bob

 

[sledgehammer]

Still Undetermined

Took the ST to our closest local dealer after making an appointment last Thursday. Got there at the appointed time and asked to talk to the service writer with whom I made the appointment. He was at lunch. Asked to speak to the alignment specialist. He came out and I described the problem. He said he needed to test drive it to help diagnose. I agreed and said let's go. He said he was busy with another car and perhaps I should make an appointment. I told him that was why i was there at the appointed time. After waiting 2 hours without receiving service I left. I have yet to make an appointment with the next closest dealer. I am very frustrated with the first dealer service department's lack of meeting their commitments.

 

[Josh C.]

Any luck with the steering problem yet?

 

[sledgehammer]

Josh - no resolution as yet. Not driving it much until we can get this settled. Thinking about swapping the rack out but that's rather pricey.

 

[roamer37]

I fixed my issues

Put on new shocks new front wheel hubs and half shafts. Did a back yard alignment, it was just slightly toe out.. turned it back to toe in 1/16 of a inch it goes nice and straight now... it was not even a 1/32 out but that was too much.. hope that helps... Bob PS just came back from a 1500 mile trip its goes down the road like its supposed to...