lylewood

I own 2 Taurus's - a 97 and a 2000. The 2000 Taurus won't turn as sharp to the right as it will to the left. The steering wheel will turn almost 2 full turns to the left, but only 1 3/4 turns to the right. It is somewhat of an annoyance when making a right turn into a parking spot, often having to back up and try again because the car just won't turn sharp enough.

I took the car to a highly respected wheel alignment clinic here in our town, and they did the front and rear alignment, but said that they can see no way to adjust the turning radius. Apparently, the turning radius is determined and limited by the steering gearbox. They said it almost certainly had to be that way from the factory.

My 97 Taurus does not have this weirdness in the steering. It will do 2 full turns of the steering wheel each way.

Any thoughts or suggestions on any possible way to remedy this problem on my 2000 Taurus will be very appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

LW

 

hawki101

I noticed the same thing the other day when doing a U turn the left turn radius was good. When I was at the gas station I was making a right run to go to the other side of the pump. I notice that I had to reverse and drive to make the turn.

taco_90

Hmmm...sounds like Ford may have some steering box issues. There are internal locks in a steering box that determine just how far it will turn. Generally these will never need to be adjusted. Either the steering column was installed "out one cog" or the locks were not set properly. Or maybe there is a reason that Ford limited the travel to the right. Try turning the wheel as far right as possible (have someone hold it there) and check to see just how close the tire is to rubbing on something or if it is up against the stop. There may be a way to adjust it but I'm guessing that might be something best left to the Ford service Dept.