Steering Shaft Binding at 53k mi ... replaced

[Wark]

Has anyone else had to replace a steering shaft at less than 75k mi? I heard that some models had a Recall / TSB but not the '22 base I own.

Found out the hard way that it was binding up on the highway causing an inability to easily shift lanes. Glad my wife wasn't driving, it was a challenge to pull over.

Had this replaced for $500 from the shop. Glad it wasn't a rack and pinion or EPS module which would be significantly more expensive.

Hard to see but it appears that some water got into the sealed unit and caused it to seize.

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[Snacktime]

2.3 or 2.7? Probably gets cooked by the turbo!

 

[Brian_B]

It does look like you just pulled it out from a fire.

 

[Brian_B]

I went and looked at mine out of curiousity. 50k miles, lots of mud and snow. Still has the silver gavlanized/anodized coating on it, and apart from some dirt/grease on the lower joint, looks almost new.

Then again, 2.3, so maybe that does make a difference.

 

[Ducati1098]

Has anyone else had to replace a steering shaft at less than 75k mi? I heard that some models had a Recall / TSB but not the '22 base I own.

Found out the hard way that it was binding up on the highway causing an inability to easily shift lanes. Glad my wife wasn't driving, it was a challenge to pull over.

Had this replaced for $500 from the shop. Glad it wasn't a rack and pinion or EPS module which would be significantly more expensive.

Hard to see but it appears that some water got into the sealed unit and caused it to seize.

Haven't seen any recalls for the steering shaft.
First time I've seen one fail/replaced on here also.

 

[Wark]

2.3 or 2.7? Probably gets cooked by the turbo!

Cooked by the turbo, interesting. Wonder if moisture moving in and out from the heat contribute to accelerated corrosion

I have the 2.3L. Motor.

The other side looks lighter in color.

I was able to turn the wheel lock to lock to free up, but then the binding came back after about 15 mins on the highway.

I thought it might have been a software update so I disconnected the battery to try to reset that, but no luck.

The part was out 4 days, so I just got the bronco back.

 

[BigFootie]

Reminds me of an issue I had with my ex wife’s 1987 Taurus. It would only happen after driving for several hours. If I recall correctly, the issue was the plastic bushings on the rack. It was almost 40 years ago so…… it could have been a linkage issue as well.

 

[mwdsonny]

did it sound like it was grinding all the time and would occasionally lock almost like when you turn the wheel and the car is off how it would lock? but if you pushed it a little the lock would release?

 

[Wark]

did it sound like it was grinding all the time and would occasionally lock almost like when you turn the wheel and the car is off how it would lock? but if you pushed it a little the lock would release?

There was no sound. In city driving no issue because I’d be turning more and loosening it up. But after about 20 minutes on the highway it wouldn’t get exercised enough and locked up.

Part was replaced and no issues. Shop said water got in and bound up the joints.
Glad it was that and not electronic issues.

 

[mwdsonny]

im scared its my steering rack. havent had someone to turn the wheel while i look for the source of the noise, but it doesnt sound that low so this post gave me hope.

 

[Wark]

im scared its my steering rack. havent had someone to turn the wheel while i look for the source of the noise, but it doesnt sound that low so this post gave me hope.

Good luck. It’s possible

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