Zenith

My car is a 97' Thunderbird LX. It has 130,000 miles and is a 4.6 liter V8 engine. I bought it 3 days ago from the dealership used and it runs like a champ but it of course has issues. Thank you to everyone that helps me or takes the time to read it.

1. When I turn the wheel it squeks sometimes so I was thinking I may need a new steering column.?

2. This also coincides with the first problem. The steering wheel "locks" left unless I have it turned right. So when I apply the breaks the car, if the steering wheel is straight, will turn left into on coming traffic so I have to level out the car myself to counteract the "lock left effect".

In all I am wondering if I get a new steering column this would fix both problems.

P.S. When I am turning I have to bring the wheel back to center manually. Does anyone else have to do that?

jwko

Hi Joshua, Welcome to the forums. From what you describe, you probably have a brake and a front end issue. It might be a good idea to find a garage that specializes in front end alignments and brake work and have it all checked out.

As for the squeaking steering column, I'll let someone else with the know how help you with that.

fixitnowlt

I agree with jwko. A garage may be best concerning the systems that are giving you trouble. They can put it on a rack and thoroughly check the brakes and steering.

FYI- The tie rod ends on most all late model FLM products were/are junk. They have no grease fitting to grease them. Eventually they would start to seize and will make steering difficult. They can make VERY LOUD squeaking noises. If it is loud enough it can sound like it is coming from inside the car.

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LT Knowledge IS power 68 Mustang 200, 68 Mustang 302, 89 Tbird SuperCoupe, 94 Tbird 3.8, 94 Bronco XLT 351
www.vehiclesdefined.com

Zenith

Thank you very much. I took the car into the garage today and he told me the caliper was pulling too much on my front side causeing it to go left. So I will get that realigned.

The only question left is that my steering whell has to be manually pulled back into center. Is that normal?

fixitnowlt

No it should return on its' own. You may have a bushing in the column going/gone bad or a bad steering gear. Get them to check it after the caliper is replaced. You will have a better feel for what the vehicle is doing then.

__________________
LT Knowledge IS power 68 Mustang 200, 68 Mustang 302, 89 Tbird SuperCoupe, 94 Tbird 3.8, 94 Bronco XLT 351
www.vehiclesdefined.com

Zenith

Thank you so much. I will definiatly look into all of those with my mechanic.