Worn shock absorbers - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Futura97 · 09-21-2002, 20:48

Would the front shock absorbers on an XF that are completely worn out and just f***ed have such an affect on the steering as to make it extremely bad when driving??

I ask this cause i think mine are rooted, and the steering seems to go all over the place when driving. I've had all new balljoints put in, spring saddles, idler arm etc, but it still has the problem. Its like it has a mind of its own when going over bumps in the road. And under real heavy braking it pulls to the right, quite bad.

Any suggestions???

Cheers

South · 09-21-2002, 23:25

yes the shocks would have a large impact in steering. This pulling to the right whilst braking may also be due to one rotor being worn excessivly more than the other, hence it pulls to the side with the greater braking ability.

Replace your shocks, and get your brakes checked out.

BRING_BACK_XF · 09-22-2002, 00:04

If one shocker is stuffed and the other is OK, then you will pull to one side under heavy braking (to the good shock side) because the wheel with a stuffed shocker will hop on the road and get no grip.

The loose steering could be your steering box, I had the same problem but I recently fixed it :)

Have you checked all other bushes in the steering system?

Remember, it's an XF at the end of the day.

Futura97 · 09-22-2002, 00:18

Thanks for the quick replies, fella's.

As far as the brakes are concerned, I had them machined about 15000 kms ago. I also had new pads put in. I might actually check them later. Its raining right now and i hate getting wet. Besides the brakes are still really good in it.

BRING_BACK_XF >> How much did it cost you to get your steering fixed? cause i have a little bit of looseness in the steering aswell.

I'll get some new shocks this week and ill see how i go.

Extreme_2020 · 09-22-2002, 01:01

Hey Guys,

My XF is having problems with the steering as well...on cold mornings the steering wheel is 'jammed" and i have to give it a good tug to free it...i can hear the power steering groaning like when its on "full lock" at the same time. Steering also feels really sloppy and just plain "worn"....

im suspecting the steering rack is cactus.....

i put some p/steer treatment in and that helped with the "jamming"...

Extreme

Aussie Pete · 09-22-2002, 15:08

Getting the brakes machined and new pads fitted means nothing. Unless the calipers were thoroughly checked out you have no idea whether they are doing the job.

I just did my brakes on the EB and what I found was lots of water and corrosion in the pistons, the sliders were seized, and the dust seals perished. Put an overhaul kit through them and the difference is very noticeable. The left caliper had actually seized so it now stops straight.

Falchoon · 09-22-2002, 15:53

Could be tyres as well. Low profile tyres tend to "tramline" (follow all the little ruts and grooves in the road). This is made worse when the tyres are worn (nearly due for replacement).

Futura97 · 09-22-2002, 18:39

They tyres have done approx 20,000 kms. They should still last for a while to come yet, i hope. There the pirelli p5000 tyres. 215/60/15. There not that low profile.

As for the calipers, how can I check them out? I just assumed there ok but i'd like to know how i can check now. Would it simply just be removing it and checking its operation??

Cheers

BRING_BACK_XF · 09-22-2002, 20:19

From memory the steering box rebuild cost close to $300. Shop around of course. You might also need a new pitman arm which is an extra $90-$100.

Nothing like a car that steers.

Aussie Pete · 09-22-2002, 21:07

Calipers have to be pulled apart to know for sure. Reco kits cost about $20 (?) for each caliper. If sliders are corroded etc you will need a major overhaul kit which includes sliders and piston.