Expert Advice, June 2004

Steering Feels Fuzzy
Q: When I drive my 1999 F-250 Super Duty 4x4 diesel pickup (with 87,000 miles) at highway speed, there's a lot of play in the steering wheel. I took it to a mechanic, who replaced all four shocks, the steering stabilizer, and the steering box. The truck has just as much play as it did before. I got underneath it, but couldn't find anything loose. The ball joints appear to be in good shape. What should I do next? My wife won't drive it, because she thinks she'll lose control of the vehicle.

A: Assuming you've noticed a real problem and aren't just observing the normal handling of a 3/4-ton truck, get a second opinion. Another thorough inspection of the suspension is in order as a safety precaution. Inspect the tires. Are they the right size and rating, in good condition, and holding correct pressure? Then, do a detailed inspection of all suspension parts, including the rear. Something loose in the rear suspension often comes across as a wander in the front. Be sure there's no play in the shaft within the steering column itself. Once the basic possible causes have been eliminated, there are additional items that may have had an effect on your Super Duty's ride and handling. First, confirm the correct wheel-alignment settings, front and rear. It may be correctable with adjustment; also, something significantly bent from impact may now require replacement. After the alignment checks out, another inspection of the ball joints should be performed. There have been problems in the past with binding ball joints that may produce stiff steering, wandering, or poor "returnability." These sealed units are replaced with modified parts that require periodic lubrication. There's a procedure to test the ball joints that calls for the use of a torque wrench at the steering knuckle. Last, verify the correct "steering gear mesh load" at the steering gear (box), this time with the torque wrench applied at the steering wheel after disconnecting the gear from the steering linkage. The new unit may be too loose or tight, causing problems.

Tired Wipers
Q: I have a 1996 GMC Sierra, and when I use my intermittent wipers, they sometimes stop in the middle of the windshield for a few seconds. Is this a sign that the wiper motor is starting to go, or could it be something else? My truck has 114,000 miles on it.

A: It's probably not the motor itself, but close. Start with a call to GMC at 800/462-8782. There's a recall in effect, referring to intermittent or completely inoperable wiper motors on a large group of 1994-1997 GM trucks, SUVs, and minivans (Recall #03023). Make sure you have the truck's VIN handy when you make the call. The defect involves cracked solder joints at the controller circuit board, attached to the wiper motor. If your Sierra is on the list of affected vehicles, any GMC service department should replace the circuit board at no charge, with no time or mileage limitations. If your particular pickup isn't on the list, or records show the recall repair was already completed, the problem may lie elsewhere, but the circuit board would still be high on the list of potential causes.