larrchev

Hello
My 98 Crown Vicky has about an inch and a half left/right play before moving the wheels.Also it seems to wander on the road,have to keep minor correcting.I have replaced the pittman arm,upper ball joints and an idler arm and sleeve.Also rotors and pads.What did I miss?The mechanic said the rest was good.Any ideas?Thanks

Bert

Does it do it with the engine off? If there's play then, you should be able to pinpoint the location. Maybe the upper shaft or steering box itself.

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Bert

SyracuseP71

My car doesn't have as much play as you described but it definitely wanders on the highway. In the last Car and Driver review of the CV they described the same behavior in their brand new LX Sport. I think it may just be the nature of the beast.

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2005 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

jwko

Check wheel bearings and tie rod ends also.

Bert

None of our Police cars have that problem. Mine included. Have the alignment checked.

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Bert

BigMerc96

Mine dose that too, is your CV a p71 or civilian model?

Maybe it is just something with the steering box in the civilian models, it is a different ratio than the p71 models, witch have a tighter steering ratio and the LX Sport is somewhere in between.

also the steering ratios vary from year to year across all models.

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1996 Mercury Grand Marquis GS ~89,000mi, Willow Green inside and out. It's very green.
1998 Chevrolet Malibu Base V6 187,000mi (sold)

Stick462

Have the steering box checked for a worn or damaged worm gear. Some times they can be ajusted. Your problem after having the front seaspension checked is to put the auto up on a hoist and inspect the rear control arms and rear stabilizer arm for worn bushings. This will also give the affect of steering control problems.

Bert

Good idea. I would recommend that too.

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Bert

larrchev

Your right Bert,it was the steering box but my mechanic said it wasn't serious,it's to be expected when my 98 vicky has 180,000 kilo on it.He recommended not changing it,as the cost won't justify the minor improvement.I'm glad I've got an honest mechanic.

larrchev

To Big Merc,the steering box adjuster had to be turned in one and a quarter turns to be back to normal,too much and the steering wheel would be too tight and you would feel it resisting.Normal wear and tear!Itr's a 98 civilian vicky.