Loose Steering

Forester1966 · 10-07-2017, 03:12 PM

Just escaped hurricane Nate by driving 250 miles east Pensacola Fl. However the steering seems loose. I continuously move the wheel left and right to maintain a straight track! Any suggestions?

rsdata · 10-07-2017, 03:50 PM

How old is that Forester and how many miles on it?

Did it do the same thing last time you drove it?

Steering does not go bad while sitting...

Forester1966 · 10-07-2017, 04:00 PM

2017 Forester 2861, bought new. I have 2700 miles on it and it's always been loose, just haven't complained until now!

A32Deuce · 10-07-2017, 04:36 PM

You need someone the move the steering wheel while you look around the steering. Open hood and look at the box and underneath the front end to see if anything is loose. Just slowly turn wheel side to side. Look at front wheels from behind. Parking brake on and in park maybe chock the wheels and engine idling. If anything is loose, you should be able to see it. That said, if you are use to driving rac and pinion cars and haven't driven a vehicle with a steering box, then that could be your loose steering. Just saying.

n-e-d · 10-07-2017, 06:30 PM

Have you had the MH aligned yet? If not get it aligned. FR was paying for alignments but I dont know if their still reimbursing owners. make sure your tires are properly inflated,and the air bags are in the 60# range

Forester1966 · 10-07-2017, 06:46 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. Will follow up!

GL1800Rider · 10-07-2017, 07:28 PM

I agree with the alignment if you have not had it done. Unless things have changed, FR will reimburse you within the first 3 months of ownership. You also may consider adding a steering stabilizer to replace the weak one provided by Ford. I have the Roadmaster Reflex and it has made driving much easier on the curves, bumps and is also easier to steer in cross winds.

oakprk · 10-07-2017, 11:22 PM

Depending on what you've driven before, it just might be your unfamiliarity with Ford's notorious "loose" steering. I went from a Chevy Class C to a Ford and the difference was significant. I equate the Ford with steering a boat rather than the Chevy, which steers like a car, albeit a large car! Doing a front end alignment and increasing the caster did help somewhat.

Jrcoker · 10-08-2017, 11:20 AM

We had a similar issue with our 2017 unit. It was solved with dynamic balancing of dual tires (3 of the tires needed weights); front end alignment and 60-70 pounds in the air bags. No more left to right fighting the steering.

Kirk S · 10-09-2017, 12:33 AM

X2 for alignment, tire pressures and air bag pressures.
It steers so much like my F-150 I have to remind myself that it isn't.

Total Loss · 10-09-2017, 10:20 AM

I think there was also a bad batch of tie rod ends on Fords.
Several members have had some replaced.
Take it to an alignment shop (as others have suggested)- one that specializez in motorhome alignments.
They can check everything and add some caster for an increased return- to- center steering feel.
Roadmaster Reflex (or other type) of spring stabilizer also helps a lot.

I wish they would develop a heavy duty rack and pinion steering system for these rigs. Will help with the wander they all seem to have to some extent.

newRVer · 10-10-2017, 07:13 AM

I've taken a number of steps to improve steering and "driveability" with each step adding an incremental improvement. I added a final piece (Blue OX Tru-Center) after a 4000 mile round trip to Denver where I experienced a variety of driving conditions. At this point it finally drives reasonably well for a large truck with a sizable overhang.

Modifications

Installed sleeve to add caster
Electronic front end alignment from a good truck shop
New front and rear Hellwig sway bars
Supersteer tracbar
Blue Ox Tru-center

PS With the exception of the caster sleeve and alignment I did all the work myself saving a lot of money.

AbdRahim · 07-20-2018, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newRVer

I've taken a number of steps to improve steering and "driveability" with each step adding an incremental improvement. I added a final piece (Blue OX Tru-Center) after a 4000 mile round trip to Denver where I experienced a variety of driving conditions. At this point it finally drives reasonably well for a large truck with a sizable overhang.

Modifications

Installed sleeve to add caster
Electronic front end alignment from a good truck shop
New front and rear Hellwig sway bars
Supersteer tracbar
Blue Ox Tru-center

PS With the exception of the caster sleeve and alignment I did all the work myself saving a lot of money.

Did you have to jack the MH off the ground to install the sway bars?

newRVer · 07-21-2018, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbdRahim

Did you have to jack the MH off the ground to install the sway bars?

No, but a little entrance clearance does help with maneuvering under the RV so I rolled the wheels up on some blocks while doing the work.

Edrps · 07-23-2018, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newRVer

No, but a little entrance clearance does help with maneuvering under the RV so I rolled the wheels up on some blocks while doing the work.

I have done everything you did except the tracbar, myself. Huge improvement in driveability. I spoke to Mr Henderson at a rally recently and he suggested adding the tracbar as well which would improve tracking and steering even more. He's the best in the business IMO.

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