Correct Hard Steering Condition - Lube Steering U-Joints for ’04 thru ’08 F-150 Trucks
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- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
- Learn how I lubricate the u-joints on the steering shaft to fix the hard steering condition and prolong the life of the steering shaft. It is not just a matter of putting oil on the outside of the U-Joint, you must have a buddy help you to get oil into the U-Joint Bearings. I re-lubricate my steering shaft every year to keep oil in the U-Joints. I have other instructions in the video, if you try oil on the U-Joints and it does not seem to help the hard steer condition. This technique applies to any car or truck with one or more U-Joints on the steering shaft that does not have grease fittings to lubricate the U-Joints. Many cars and trucks on the road today use U-Joints on the Steering Shaft.
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Disclaimer: The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. Due to factors beyond the control of the author, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. The author assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. The author recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of the author, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not the author. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge the author or anyone affiliated with the author or video, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.
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Am pleased to know that important car problems can be explained in video forms which highly educative and useful to laymen like me. Thanks to the instructions you give us. Amen.
User, Yes, true, if a picture is worth 1000 words, a video is worth 10,000. You are welcome, I appreciate the feedback! - Stiles
dude it was so helpful! you rule!! fixing my steering shaft u joint tomorrow and this was the first video that came up for lubing them. you just have that life experience. i never even thought once about heating oil up like that and lubing up joints with it. thank you
DW, Yep, you got it, and it helps to use a Buddy to move the Steering Wheel, helps get Lube into the Bearings. I've said it many times, if you have any looseness in the Steering Shaft, you need to replace it. - Stiles
Thanks for the video! I just had this same problem on my Expedition. I used a 50-50 mix of WD-40 and engine oil (10w 40) and applied it using a spray bottle, rotating the steering column to make sure I got the U-joins all covered. It worked like a charm.
HMS, You're very welcome! Plan to do this annually or sooner if you feel it getting stiff again. If you start to get looseness, then you have to replace the Steering Shaft! I appreciate the comment! - Stiles
Thanks for the tips. Worked on 2017 Ram 1500. Appreciate the video. Saved me $400 for the part. Bought me some time at least before I replace the shaft. Subbed. 👍🏻
Mr. Hinckle, You are very welcome! If your Steering gets stiff again, lube, as necessary. If it gets loose make sure to replace it! - Stiles
Thank you man ! Four shops told me I needed a new rack and pin . Sprayed wd40 just to see and instantly was the problem
Damon, You are welcome. Now that you know the problem, the WD40 won't stay for long, work in an Oil or heavier Lube and plan to do it periodically (as needed, or once a year). And . . . I've stated it before, it the Steering starts to get loose at all, its time to replace it. I appreciate the comment! - Stiles
Informative video for the do-it-yourselfer. Thanks, I will be applying this maintenance to my '13 Tacoma that has had stiff steering for the past few weeks.
Glad I could help! Yep, a number of cars and most light trucks use this type of steering shaft. If you have looseness replace the shaft, however if you experience hard steering or resistance. Try lubing the U-Joints first. I hope you enjoy many more years with your Tacoma! Thanks for the comment. - Stiles
Great video, thanks! This worked wonders on the 2012 Expedition that I just bought used. It’s been sitting in the driveway for a while before my lease went back and the steering kept getting tighter and tighter each time I’d take it for a spin to run it. I was going to replace the lower shaft assembly and stumbled onto this video. I washed everything out with WD 40 really well while my daughter ran the steering wheel, then doused it all in warmed up 80w90 gear oil with a paintbrush. Incredible results! We’ll see how long I can put off replacement doing this a couple times a year as maintenance!
Hopefully the gear lube will stay in your bearing a while, I lube mine once a year and I feel a noticeable difference before and after. It hasn't gone back to how hard it was the first time I lubed it, so some lube is staying in my bearings. I'm glad the video helped! Thanks for your comment. - Stiles
I tried using a spray lube and my steering was better, but it was not like new as you said in the video. So, I tried the brush method with my son at the steering wheel and now my steering is like new! Thanks
Yep, it is a matter of getting lube down into each of those 8 bearings (4 each U-Joint). If you can do it with spray lube, great! But don't finish with a light lube like Liquid Wrench or WD-40, you need an oil or grease. And put a rag over the Exhaust Manifold. My method ensures you get lube into those U-Joints! And remember, if your U-Joints are loose at all, replace them! Thanks for the comment! - Stiles
Great video, doing this on my 08 Explorer right now. Much appreciated
Glad it was helpful! You are welcome! - Stiles
Thank you for this video. You saved me money and stress!!!
Glad I could help! I appreciate the comment! - Stiles
Very helpful sir I appreciate the knowledge ty very much
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment. - Stiles
Fluid film works great too
MDB, Yep, I bet it would, as long as you get it into the Bearings! Good Tip! - Stiles
Appreciate the video. Going to try this on my 2007 Pontiac g5
jaccob, It should work on any U-Joint equipped Steering Shaft. If your Steering Shaft or other Steering Parts are or become loose, be sure to replace them. - Stiles
I sprayed liquid wrench on mine, worked great.
Awesome, now that you got some penetrant in there, I'd recommend you now use a lube with some staying power, some thicker. Even if you choose to use a spray on lube, hit it again now and periodically. Thanks for the comment. - Stiles
Very informative thank you for sharing this video
User, You are very welcome, I appreciate the feedback! - Stiles
I have a 2005 Ford Freestyle crossover that has just one U joint near the steering box, but it had the same issue, especially after I hadn't driven for awhile. The Walmart version of WD worked, spraying from top and from bottom, but I like the idea of a heavier oil to have it last longer. Thanks. I had tried changing much of the steering fluid first before seeing another video like yours last night.
Very good! Thanks for the comment. - Stiles
How do you like your freestyle? I've had F-150s and explorers, the freestyle looks like a nice little crossover.
@@BostonBugsy The Freestyle was only made from 2005 thru 2007 and was replaced by the Ford Edge. It has a Volvo engine and transmission (CVT) which I faithfully have the fluid changed as trans can be expensive repair. Ford owned Volvo back then. It is pretty big crossover with lots of room with rear seats folded flat. Gets maybe 14 mpg around town but as high as 29 mpg on highway with cruise set at 65 mph. The computer tells me when to change engine oil at twice a year but it comes out pretty clean still with lower milage due to pandemic, so I may reset next time and just change once a year, uses Motorcraft 5/20 blend. You may find good deals but be wary of the trans if uncertain of fluid changes. Mine has only 130,000 miles and runs fine.
This worked on my Volvo semi truck thanks!
Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment! - Stiles
fluid film works great on these steering shaft u joints
Yung, Yep, lots of lube will work, that is if you get them into the Bearings where it is needed. I appreciate the comment! - Stiles
Thanks so much for the video. '08 gmc savana having the same problem, driving me nuts and quite unsafe not having the steering wheel return smoothly after turning a corner. Firestone claimed they lubricated the lower u-joint but problem persisted just as bad. I will give your fix a shot this weekend and will see what happens. Thanks again.
Tim, Firestone probably used a spray lube on your U-Joint, this works some of the time, but not all of the time. That's why I show the method I do, you gotta work the lube into those bearings. Be sure to use a buddy, especially if your U-Joint is hard to get to. Best of luck, let me know how it goes, and thanks for the comment! - Stiles
That is what I first noticed on my F150 slow return of the wheel after turning a corner, I lubed it with a penetrating oil for starters and will drive it for a week or so before using your brush method to get it oiled properly.
Great video, thanks man
Marwell, I replied to your other comment with the question. And I appreciate the feedback! - Stiles
Thank for information. Makes sense. Will be trying.
Thanks for the comment! Let me know how it goes. - Stiles
Awesome thank you😅
Victor, You are very welcome, I appreciate the comment! - Stiles
Just got a 2004 GMC Sierra last month and doing a lot of needed parts updating and "proofing". I saw my steering joint and wondered about it, so I looked it up and found this video. But why heat up a whole bottle? Whatever. Thanks for showing us how to apply the oils. An extra thought for getting into it, there is a WD40 Specialist Penetrant Fast Acting that is designed to help get into more rusty or stiff parts like this.
Boyd, It doesn't hurt the Oil to heat it to this low temperature, and I'm heating it to make it flow easier, of course. Yes, there are a number of Lubrications that would work good for this and the Spray Lubes may work as well, but you have to get it into the Joint and into the Bearings. I appreciate the comment! - Stiles
What about Blaster White Lithium Grease Spray, it's designed to lube joints like this and penetrate easily then thicken up to stay on for years and withstand water and oils
Great video, I managed to locate the coupling for the Steering rack which is located in the driver,s side cabin,which I lubed with a graphite spray, also this gave me access to the clutch and brake pedal linkages which I also managed to lubricate
Andrew, Awesome! A little lube goes a long way, but not forever. Glad it helped. Thanks for the comment! - Stiles
Thanks ...a lot man !... really works
You're welcome! I hope you have many more miles of enjoyment out of your vehicle. Thanks for the comment. - Stiles
Could you get some kind of rubber boot material and clean and grease the u-joint really well and then fasten the rubber boot over top to protect it all?
Emmett, That is a good idea, I have thought of that. My top Joint is close enough to the Exhaust Manifold that heat is a factor. I know Granger ( the industrial supply company) use to have some mechanical transmission/shaft boots, but I have not investigated this at all. You know if Ford would have done a boot from the factory, like you suggest, these Bearings would last forever. I appreciate the comment, if you find a solution to this problem, I'd love to hear it! - Stiles
good
Leo, Ok, thanks for the feedback! - Stiles
Use spray on Lithium grease on my '06 F150, works great.
Phil
Great Comment! Grease is the best, if you can work it into all 8 of the bearings. I hope you continue to enjoy your 2006 for many years!
Thank you! Bought a can and $10 and 10 minutes later, steering is perfect!
Dang! I already ordered the new part, wished i had seen this first...maybe i can cancel my order 👍
Or, send it back. Like I stated in the video if you have any looseness in your Steering U-Joints even thou the Steering may be Stiff, replace your Steering Shaft. I Lube my Steering once a year and it is going on year 5, I believe. Thanks for the comment! - Stiles
@Aron Trent Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment. - Stiles
50% acetone 50% atf to clean and prep for lube.
melt grease in a pan?
or motorcycle chain libe?
SAAXLCH, All very good ideas, Chain Lube (either Motorcycle or regular) are are good, they have a component that evaporates away and leaves the good stuff in place. Warming up Grease I like the best. You have to get in down into the Bearings! I appreciate the comment! - Stiles
I have to try this on my 2007 Ford f150 I purchased. Not a daily drive. I noticed light tightness in the steering at times. The U joint looks like yours. Rusty and dry. Hope this helps. Also I did not realize I have no dip stick. The garage i bought it from failed to mention and i failed to look. The top area is all rusted/torn. I found out that is common. They put a screw in the hole so debris does not get in there. I need to replace the tube or what ever you call it. There are no oil leaks and the truck drives good.
Lance, They are good Trucks, but have a few little design issues that if corrected give you many dependable miles. I need to do one video to roll them all up. Thanks for the comment! - Stiles
Would White Lithium Grease spray work? Its designed to lube joints and gears and metal to metal contact. Ive always used white lithium grease spray on metal joints that are not high friction like wheel bearings that need NLGI#2.
I imagine the spray would penetrate the ujoints quickly and prevent friction for years.
Interested to hear back from you on this.
If not my 02 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.7L takes 5W-30 High Milage Fully Synthetic motor oil.
Marwell, Yep the Lithium Spray will work great if you can get it into the Bearings of the U-Joint. The reason I use the method that I do is to ensure I work the Lube into the Bearing. Spray Lube can be messy, make sure to put a paper towel or 2 or 3, covering your Exhaust Manifold and other Parts near the U-Joint. My Steering Shaft is very near the Hot Exhaust Manifold and needs to be reLubed, each year or so. - Stiles
My 04 tundra is having the same issues. Every time i make a turn the wheel gets stiff hard. I tried looking at my stering joints but they are different than the ford. Quite honestly i dont even see joints on my tundra 🙁
Yep, not every vehicle has the 2 U-Joints like my Truck, some have a single U-Joint (like Some Tundra Trucks) and some have a Single Rubber (or other composite material) Bushing (like Some Tundra Trucks). Your 2004 Tundra appears to have a U-Joint inside the Passenger Compartment and the Rubber Bushing down on the Rack and Pinion. Likely your U-Joints Bearings are dry. If you don't have a Steering Shaft problem like in the video, you may have a one (or both) Tie Rod Ends that are dry and need lubrication or replacement. Let me know how it goes! - Stiles
I had already sprayed the joint with WD40 to see if that was the issue and it definitely got better temporarily. If I lube it with grease to delay the replacement is it actually safe to keep driving with it this way? At what point does it have to be replaced? Thanks!
David, replace the Steering Shaft if you start to feel looseness or play in the steering. Any at all and the Shaft should be replaced. - Stiles
Any ideas why a power steering reservoir would be bubbling? I’ve replaced me entire power steering system. Rack, lines, pump, reservoir and it’s still bubbling
Dustin, Bubbles of course mean air are entering the System somewhere. If you replaced everything . . . if your leak or poor seal were on the pressure side, you would have Steering Fluid squirting out. So, you problem is likely on the suction side, I know this doesn't help a lot, but it eliminates 1/2 of the System. Let me know how it goes! - Stiles
Just use Lithium grease spray
Henrik, Like I said in the video, you have to get the lube into the U-Joint down into the bearings, if you spray Lithium Grease all over your Exhaust Manifold and it helps your Steering Linkage good for you. It doesn't do much good to put grease on the outside of the U-Joint. Use my method to force Lube into the Bearings. - Stiles
i thought you needed to remove the bottom part of the dashboard to get access to this part. does it differ from car to car? i drive a lincoln mks so am hoping the this wont cost me a lot in labor 🤞🏻
Michele, Most cars and light trucks have the Steering Shaft under the Hood in the Engine Compartment. Your MKS has one U-Joint in the Engine Compartment and one under the Dash in the Passenger's Compartment. Yes, you may be required to remove part of the Dash below your Steering Wheel. Get pricing from the couple of shop, unless you have favorite Auto Repair Shop. - Stiles