xc steering wheel movement - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

underpants · 12-03-2002, 21:55

this is my first post on FordForums so I hope its in the right forum.
I've got a 1977 xc falcon with no power steering and I was wondering if it was normal for the steering wheel to have a bit of movement in it. I mean, the steering wheel can be turned a bit to the left or right (about 3 cm each way) and it wont really turn the wheels. It was my dad's car and i've only been driving it for a short time so I don't know if its normal. I've been driving a 97 hyundai which doesn't do this and my friends xd also doesn't do this and I thought that the xd and xc might share the same steering column.

Aussie Falcon · 12-03-2002, 22:16

Don't know if this helps but my old xc was the same, but in saying that I felt that my XC had better steering than my dads XF at the time.

underpants · 12-03-2002, 22:36

thanks. I'm asking because I was looking to get power steering put on and I didn't know if I was going to have to get any work done on the column first

12-03-2002, 22:46

You might find that the excess play is caused by the "Idler Arm" located on the left hand side chassis opposite the Steering box.

The rubber bushes go soft and add a bit of play into the steering.

Replacing the Idler Arm isn't expensive and will smarten up the steering. If your adventurous you can go for one with the poly urethane bushes. There is also available ( or at least used to be ) a greasable version with bronze bearings, but you have to keep the grease up to them.

You can can adjust the steering box but you have to be careful that you dont over tighten it because you will damage the box. Read the manual for the process to adjust it.

Another thing to check is your tie rod ends, though you dont mention that the steering has any rattles.

XC's are pretty robust if you look after it, it'l live longer than that Hyundai ever will.

Note your Hyundai has rack and pinion steering which will always feel tighter.

12-03-2002, 22:58

If your thinking of putting power steering on, you will have to replace the steering column for one made for power steering.

Powersteering columns are about 2" (50mm) shorter in the shaft.

You didn't say if it was a 6 or a V8. V8's were common with power steering (almost madatory) but 6's were rare usually only on upspec Fairmonts or GXL's ( yes there were some 6 GXL's but not many).

Personally I think power steering on the 6's is a waste, as the steering isn't normally heavy on these cars. But as you have been spoiled on driving the Hyundai maybe you should borrow a F350 for a month and then compare(LOL).

XD's will be a good source for pumps, brackets, box and hoses. And any Fairlane/LTD circa 1977 will be good for your steering column.

ogion · 12-03-2002, 23:14

I dont even think that u would really need power steering for the xc mate. Their not that heavy really. It sounds like u have a 250 in there right ? If u do just leave the steering and with the money that u have & save put a 351 in their. YEAH !

underpants · 12-03-2002, 23:27

Its a 250 crossflow. I was only looking because dad also loves the car but has arthritis in shoulders and wrists. So he has the hyundai to keep him going but still wants to have a drive of the xc.
I agree with the car being robust, its had about 2 grease and oil changes in the last 12 years and it goes great still. It's going to get looked after from now on though :)

EA90_S · 12-04-2002, 00:23

Try Driving a XC V8 without powersteering forget about parking and city driving. its a nightmare. hehehe There Good cars though look nice. Espically with the twin light front. Does yours have a twin light front underpants ?

underpants · 12-04-2002, 00:40

nah. I assume you mean quad light front. Isn't that the rally pack grille? I was thinking about putting one on, but I've only seen broken or cracked ones at the wreckers.

ogion · 12-04-2002, 01:12

Oh sorry underpants bout yer ol' boy, I didnt know. I had an XC 250 that I upgraded 2 a 351 without doing the steering. It roked. And it wasn't that bad 2 park, honestly, but then again, I didn't have arthritis ay.