Is my steering rack shot?

[97splorer]

When I am going slow and turning the wheels I get a vibration/shudder in the steering. I have checked the fluid and its full and appears to be a healthy color. When I jack the front wheels off the ground and turn on the ignition, I can turn the wheels back and forth by hand. I heard that means that the rack has some seals that are shot. Is this true? Could bad ball joints be making the shudder? I checked for play but found none that I can notice. If anyone could help out maybe I'll be able to sleep better.

Thanks-Brian

 

[Doug]

It sounds like your tie rod ends.. with the engine off but the ignition on you should be able to move the wheel back and forth. If there is any play in the wheel/tire that's bad. In/out play is tie rods up down play is the ball joints. when you're driving does the steering feel "loose?" IE do you have to turn the wheel a little bit before the truck starts turning? if so it's definantly tie rod ends.

 

[97splorer]

The steering doesn't feel lose to me but when I jack the front up and move the tires left to right they have some noticable play. Would bad tie rods make the shuddering sound I hear when turning at lower speeds?

 

[Bronco638]

The vibration/shudder at low speeds probably indicates a seal in the rack going bad or a potential problem with the pump.

 

[Mbrooks420]

There isn't any fluid seepage around the end of the rack? When my 2 racks went they leaked. They also shuddered, especially at low speed.

 

[97splorer]

I have not noticed a leak at all from the steering rack, and the fluid in the resivour is never any different. How would I check the rack further to see if that is it?

 

[Blee1099]

There is a TSB regarding experiencing a binding/shudder during slow speeds. I believe it involves updated your GEM module with a new program.

 

[97splorer]

How do I find out more about a TSB on this? Also, how would I update my GEM module with a new program?

 

[Blee1099]

I believe it is 97-21-15 for the TSB.. It refers to the drivetrain: shudder/binding in tight turns.. Not sure if it will relate to your problem but could probably ask your local Ford dealer.

 

[Mbrooks420]

M y truck occasionally stumbles on one turn I make in the morning. Only place it does it. It, a rwal tight, uphill turn. My GEM was already reprogrammed once for something.(had the sticker under the hood before I bought it.) I'll have to look on the sticker and see what the code on it is.

 

[97splorer]

Is a TSB just fords way of telling us about a problem or will they fix it? The tsb 97-21-15 is a transfer case issue, ad this all started soon after I changed my t-case fluid. What should I do?