97 sport with steering issues

[Radar2819]

Hello all, my brother and I decided to fix the front end of my x. We replaced both upper and lower ball joints(drivers and passenger sides) and inner and outer tie rod ends both sides. It all went great till we got done with it. Now the steering shakes, if you turn the wheel both tires shake back and fourth. You can have the truck in the air and turn the steering wheel and same thing. Now my question is have any of you heard of this also how to fix it. Thank you

 

[my98nnj]

Any time the steering is turned with the engine off air will get into it. Very common with FORD's.

While the vehicle is running, turn the steering lock to lock several times while moving slowly. Do this until you have firm steady power steering and the shaking is gone. Do not hold the steering wheel in a fully locked position as this will put strain on the pump. Check the fluid, make sure it's full when your done.

 

[Radar2819]

Thanks my98 I will try that. Should I leave the power steering cap tight or take it off. At one point while turning the wheel with the truck off fluid shot out of the power steering pump could that be from air in the lines too? Thanks

 

[RaveDigger]

I had this problem in my Ex as well and the above solution worked for me as well. Just find a big parking lot and do some figure eights at full lock in both directions and you'll be good to go.

 

[gavin]

Thanks my98 I will try that. Should I leave the power steering cap tight or take it off. At one point while turning the wheel with the truck off fluid shot out of the power steering pump could that be from air in the lines too? Thanks

remove the power steering reservoir cap so that the air can escape.

 

[GRNMACHINE]

Learn something new here all the time! Planning on doing UCA's/balljoints in the spring-will know what to do now if same thing happens.