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Crankshaft · 10-30-2016, 01:57 PM

I noticed a clicking noise, almost like a crunching noise from the steering at low speeds. I figured I was due for a lube job and an oil change and that should clear things up. I didn't get to the oil change and lube yet, I was trying to beat the cold weather and get the RV cleaned and put away for the winter. While cleaning I found this,

It appears that my steering linkage has a twist to it. Am I seeing correctly? The front wheels were pointing completely straight. The chassis is under warranty, it's parked until spring so Ford can work on it then if this is not right.

Thanks in advanced

twinboat · 10-30-2016, 02:09 PM

Looks like a normal drag link to me.

Crankshaft · 10-30-2016, 03:58 PM

It looks normal overall but what about the ends? They seem twisted not flat and straight against their connections.

twinboat · 10-30-2016, 06:19 PM

They are ball and socket joints, sometimes sit to the side, you could probably turn it straight by hand.

Push against the rubber boot. You should feel grease inside it. If not pump some in.

Take a look and picture of the king pin, just a little to the right. There should be 2 grease fittings, 1 on top and one on the bottom. They may need some grease also.

Crankshaft · 10-31-2016, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

They are ball and socket joints, sometimes sit to the side, you could probably turn it straight by hand.

Push against the rubber boot. You should feel grease inside it. If not pump some in.

Take a look and picture of the king pin, just a little to the right. There should be 2 grease fittings, 1 on top and one on the bottom. They may need some grease also.

I'll see if they move by hand and grease them up.

Thanks

TeJay · 10-31-2016, 09:07 AM

As stated they are a ball joint type of socket. They will pivot as you see yours have done. That's not an indication that they are bad. Here's how they can be checked.

Take a wide jawed pair of channel locks and place one jaw on the nut where the cotter pin is located and the other jaw on the opposite end of the joint. If you look at the picture you posted the jaws would be placed horizontally. Now squeeze the jaws. If the joint compresses more than 1/8" then it is worn.

Most any joint of that design (Ball) can be checked for wear using the channel locks. Suspension ball joint joints are a little different but if you know what you are doing they can also be checked very easily by unloading the joint and using a pry bar on the tire to check for in and out play.

Your shoulder joint can pivot in a circle but it should not fall out of the socket it which it swivels. That's the looseness or play you are checking.