Snowdog

Guys,I need your opinion.I just started having a problem with my front end.When I turn the wheel hard left or right,as it comes back to center I can feel a little binding.It sort of feels like its in four wheel drive on dry pavement.Of course it is not. Doesn't happen all the time.
I jacked up the front,checked universal joints,they are fine.Checked ball joints,no looseness,put shovel under wheel to lever up and down,very little play,barely any at all.I was expecting way more play since the truck has 96,000 miles.Manually turned wheels lock to lock with engine off.No binding,nice and smooth,overall whole front end is very tight,no slop,nothing looks worn.What Gives? Any ideas what is causing this issue? Thanks!

jhenson

I have the same binding on mine when I turn hard left or right. Front end has almost 300k on it so I broke down and ordered new b-joints, they were shot, and the new steering system upgrade, passenger side tie rod was worn pretty bad. Also going to do axle joints and replace a bad u-joint in the front driveshaft.

Hopefully after I replace all of these items and get an alignment the binding and awful tire wear will cease. Probably won't get to any of it until later next week but will keep you posted on what I find.

cletus

Sounds like front axle u-joint mine felt the same way when they went.

05 Thunder Beas

Or possibly steering gear. I had the same symptoms.

TedT

When my "U" joints went I felt a wobble in the steering wheel when turning evenly slightly at low speeds.

nickg

I'd bet on u-joints, if you look at them again and see any rust colored dust on the joints while they may not display any play they are totally shot and likely seized up.

steering box can do the same but its not the norm.

whiteeye42

the steering stabilizer shock might be binding i had that happen to me in fact it finlly locked up turning a corner and i ran into the curb had to cut the shaft on the shock to be able to drive it you might check that

Snowdog

I got back under there and rechecked u joints. Still looked fairly clean,no rust.Sprayed some WD-40 on them just to see if problem went away temporarily. No more binding! well looks like its U joint time.Thanks Guys.