Strange Feeling in Steering... What Could This Be?

[sulaco83]

I've been using my 98 5.0 AWD way more than I ever expected this winter because of all the ice and snow we've been getting in PA this year and also because I just like the truck more than I ever expected. I bit the bullet in November and had my local Ford dealer re-mount my transfer case and front drive shaft, so at least I know it was done right (a gasket was leaking when I tried to do it myself).

Anyway, over the last few days my steering has started feeling a little funky and I am hoping to nip it in the bud before it gets any worse (if it will at all). Basically when I am turning the wheel, especially at slow speeds, I can sort of feel little "pops" once or twice as I am turning. There is no noticeable noise and the wheel doesn't shudder or fight me, it just doesn't feel as smooth as it should. It's only as I am turning the wheel... there is no constant clicking or popping if I am holding the turn.

Has anybody had experience with something like this?

 

[deadernie]

I'm also having a similar problem and from searching on here I suspect it might be the steering shaft that is worn. It feels like resistance when you first try to turn the wheel and then it kinda pops free. All the other parts in my front end are new.

 

[Fordsgalore4]

my 01 does it to but only sometimes it can be weeks but it does its only got 96,000 miles on it and i live in California so we dont have the hard core weather i looked and checked the hole front end and every thing is good and tight and the power steering fluid is fresh