2000 F-250 7.3 - Steering box bolts broke - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

gdmccarty · 02-25-2009, 16:33

After lunch, I got in my truck, started it, and turned the wheel to the right. There was a big popping noise, and the steering box had broken all 3 bolts and come off the frame.

This happened to me about 2 years ago. At that time I had the broken bolts removed and replaced. Same steering box.

Anyone had any experience with this? I'm trying to figure out if it's a bad steering box, and some sort of binding in the front. I've got 4WD.

Any thoughts?

GregM

**360ci** · 02-28-2009, 13:45

I haven't heard of this one. However, it shouldn't necessarily matter that you have a 4wd. The steering is nearly identical to 2wd models. Have you felt any abnormal resistance in the steering when you turn the wheel? Does the box and the frame where it attaches to look badly rusted? Are the bolt ends corroded badly? My thought: I would bet they didn't use the right strength bolts when installing the steering box.

gdmccarty · 03-03-2009, 05:18

I thought 4wd might matter if there was some sort of binding in the drive.

No abnormal resistance. The only steering symptom was a fair amount of play. I would estimate about 45 degrees!

The bolts are only 2 years old. This happened before and I replaced them. Bought them from the dealer. Torqued them!

When I started the truck and turned the wheel, there was some resistance. I wouldn't describe it as hard, just above normal. Then they popped. I don't know if all 3 failed at the same time.