My 2017 F250 had the loose steering issue. Took it to the Ford dealer and they could not feel it, or find anything loose. After seeing this video I bought the new nut and took it to a local garage for installation. I don’t have the tools to do this job. Anyway, 1/2 hour later I’m done and no more loose steering, problem fixed. I had 2 threads showing below the nut before replacement, now I have almost 5 showing. Thank you for posting this video!
Thanks for the video. For all the people saying this doesn’t fix steering wheel play either hasn’t tried it, or their gear box is busted. I was able to unscrew the nut with my hands when I was investigating the issue. Not all the way but isñt was clearly loose.. once i tightened it with a wrench the play was completely gone. Now I need to replace it and use some locktite like he suggested.
I have a lifted 04' 6.0 and can confirm this was my problem. I had already made the bolt adjustment on my steering box (the one on top) without checking the pitman arm and still had really sloppy dangerous steering. The previous owner may have worked on the truck before but when I got it the steering wheel was off center by about 45 Degrees. I noticed the nut that holds the Pitman arm to the steering box worked itself down past the bottom of the bolt and the pitman arm slipped way down to where it was intermittently missing the teeth on the shaft. Whew... that was damn close! I found it just in time. I only came on here to see if there was a better way to access the nut. torque on this calls for at least 170 to 200 ft-lb. I'm glad I came here... thanks Chris for the solution. I didn't think about dropping the steering box. Also, note that the splined teeth on the shaft is keyed. If your pitman arm slid down too far you might have to take it off so you can align it properly otherwise the pitman arm won't seat up high on the shaft properly and you may end up with loose steering again.
Thank you for this video, my friend! I’ve been having this issue with my 2017 F250 King Ranch (6-inch lift) as well. My steering was super sloppy and I’ve tightened that but twice before - now I know how to fix it for good. Nice, concise, detailed video. Truck on!
How many threads were showing when u were all done. I'm having some issues with my 2019 f250 with 4in lift with 35x12.5 negative 44 offset. It's like it will. Ever stay straight on the hwy or above 45 really.. would really appreciate some feed back.
Recently noticed steering cantered more to the left when driving slight curved roads. Assumed maybe BJs or linkeage wear, but early at only 49k miles on '17 F350 w/ 6.7L. Seen this video and just checked steering/pitman arm nut - ONLY a few threads left and "dropped" from original postion. WTF - along with having a reputable shop conduct an alignment 9 months ago. Its Sunday, so a trip to Ford parts house Monday, many thanks Chris and now something to always check in future.
Chris, thanks for the video... I wasnt sure why my steering had so much play!!! After watching this video.... I took my truck (2017 F250 6 inch) to the place that did my lift and that was this issue... They use lock tight etc etc and my steering is perfect now.. I was getting codes and that is all stopped also. thanks again...
Hey buddy great vid!! Hey what do you think about ordering 2 of those nuts, and just running the second nut behind the first one as an extra precautionary measure?
Why replace the bolt for, because it's stripped or is it weak? I didn't know that you could dropped the gear box like that. I'm so glad that I watched this video. I took my truck to the shop because I couldn't get to my pitman arm nut. Wow I wished that I would of seen this video first because it would of kept me from taking my truck to the shop so they could tighten up my pitman arm. Thanks for the video and I gave it a GIGANTIC THUMBS UP. 👍
I have an 04 super duty and my steering had a lot of play in it. of course I have over 200,000 miles on it, but I replaced my tie rod ends, upper and lower ball joints and then my steering box I replaced with a red top version, better than oem. My steering is nice and tight, like a new truck now.
First time this happens to me mine had 2 threads showing after my local tech hit it with an impact now I got 6 7 threads showing thank you. I was about to throw a drag link at my truck
OMG i just saw this video this is happening on my 2012 f250 on 12inch. I'm doing tomorrow since there is a truck ride out. Thanks for sharing this info
Ok if I’m wrong I’m wrong but I’m not. BUT the height of that nut has nothing to do with loose steering. Think about it, tension on the links and rods is side to side not vertical. When you rotate the steering wheel it rotates the shaft into the steering box and rotated spline, which moves your pitman arm left and right NOT up and down. The only up and down adjustment is the adjustment bolt on top of the steering box held in place by a lock nut. You can check all this out by watching the many many videos on adjusting steering box’s available......
From what I learned the splines on the steering box are tapered so when you’re tightening the nut down you’re forcing the pitman arm up that taper. The further down the pitman arm on the shaft the more play it’ll have.
Chris, Great video! It was very helpful and I was able to get my 2013 F350 steering squared away! Same part number fit the F350 as well. Have a good one!
I know lol. I’m not a videographer by any means. I’ve since hired a couple. I have a few videos on my shops channel Bespoke Motors that is much more pleasing to watch
My understanding is that most of these one time use nuts can still be tightened, as long as you don't remove them or loosen them. Therefore, if you have several threads exposed above it, you could probably just squirt the red loctite on and tighten it and leave the same nut on.
I've came to the conclusion that I need to change my steering box I've changed everything else and the nut holding the pitman arm to the steering box is tight.
THE CHEAP METHOD, DRILL A SMALL HOLE IN THE BOLT, PUT A LARGE WASHER AND A COTTER PIN JUST BELOW THE NUT. JUST LIKE WHEEL HUBS, THEY NEVER WILL FALL OFF. THAT'S A VERY EXPENSIVE SHOCKET. THANKS FOR THE VIDEO.
Hello, very good video ... in my case I have no game on the steering wheel but it makes pressure to the right and left (I mean that when I turn the steering wheel does not return and I have to force it to stay on course) you think it is for him same problem?
He didn’t show the threads because he was wrong. Just looked at a brand new 2019 and it has about two and a half threads out of the factory. This video was just clickbait.
Could you put the paet number in the description, also you never mentioned the size of socket that you would need. Im having some crazy wandering and replaced all steering joints and ball joints and it's still there. I only have the radius arm bushings ledt to replace but am sick of throwing parts at my truck. I love the truck but want it to drive like when I first bought it.
Seriously... still no answers as to how many threads are supposed to show after the nut is tightened? No picture of how it’s supposed to look after install? Come on.
keep your music level consistent . what's with the increasing loud volume forcing listening to lower the volume?? it's annoying .. then we have to increase volume again to hear your voice
My 2017 F250 had the loose steering issue. Took it to the Ford dealer and they could not feel it, or find anything loose. After seeing this video I bought the new nut and took it to a local garage for installation. I don’t have the tools to do this job. Anyway, 1/2 hour later I’m done and no more loose steering, problem fixed. I had 2 threads showing below the nut before replacement, now I have almost 5 showing. Thank you for posting this video!
I also have a 2017qnd will definitely inspecting this this weekend
Thanks for the video. For all the people saying this doesn’t fix steering wheel play either hasn’t tried it, or their gear box is busted. I was able to unscrew the nut with my hands when I was investigating the issue. Not all the way but isñt was clearly loose.. once i tightened it with a wrench the play was completely gone. Now I need to replace it and use some locktite like he suggested.
Good video! You showed two threads showing before retightening, can you show how many threads showing after? Thanks
I have a lifted 04' 6.0 and can confirm this was my problem. I had already made the bolt adjustment on my steering box (the one on top) without checking the pitman arm and still had really sloppy dangerous steering. The previous owner may have worked on the truck before but when I got it the steering wheel was off center by about 45 Degrees. I noticed the nut that holds the Pitman arm to the steering box worked itself down past the bottom of the bolt and the pitman arm slipped way down to where it was intermittently missing the teeth on the shaft. Whew... that was damn close! I found it just in time. I only came on here to see if there was a better way to access the nut. torque on this calls for at least 170 to 200 ft-lb. I'm glad I came here... thanks Chris for the solution. I didn't think about dropping the steering box. Also, note that the splined teeth on the shaft is keyed. If your pitman arm slid down too far you might have to take it off so you can align it properly otherwise the pitman arm won't seat up high on the shaft properly and you may end up with loose steering again.
Thank you for this video, my friend! I’ve been having this issue with my 2017 F250 King Ranch (6-inch lift) as well. My steering was super sloppy and I’ve tightened that but twice before - now I know how to fix it for good. Nice, concise, detailed video. Truck on!
How many threads were showing when u were all done. I'm having some issues with my 2019 f250 with 4in lift with 35x12.5 negative 44 offset. It's like it will. Ever stay straight on the hwy or above 45 really.. would really appreciate some feed back.
@@michealmcniel8745 did you ever figure out your issue?
Recently noticed steering cantered more to the left when driving slight curved roads. Assumed maybe BJs or linkeage wear, but early at only 49k miles on '17 F350 w/ 6.7L. Seen this video and just checked steering/pitman arm nut - ONLY a few threads left and "dropped" from original postion. WTF - along with having a reputable shop conduct an alignment 9 months ago. Its Sunday, so a trip to Ford parts house Monday, many thanks Chris and now something to always check in future.
Did this resolve your issue? I am currently in the same boat
Chris, thanks for the video... I wasnt sure why my steering had so much play!!! After watching this video.... I took my truck (2017 F250 6 inch) to the place that did my lift and that was this issue... They use lock tight etc etc and my steering is perfect now.. I was getting codes and that is all stopped also. thanks again...
What codes were you getting?
Hey buddy great vid!! Hey what do you think about ordering 2 of those nuts, and just running the second nut behind the first one as an extra precautionary measure?
Doesn't work
How did you get the steering gear box to move that much with the power steering lines attached?
Why replace the bolt for, because it's stripped or is it weak? I didn't know that you could dropped the gear box like that. I'm so glad that I watched this video. I took my truck to the shop because I couldn't get to my pitman arm nut. Wow I wished that I would of seen this video first because it would of kept me from taking my truck to the shop so they could tighten up my pitman arm. Thanks for the video and I gave it a GIGANTIC THUMBS UP. 👍
I have an 04 super duty and my steering had a lot of play in it. of course I have over 200,000 miles on it, but I replaced my tie rod ends, upper and lower ball joints and then my steering box I replaced with a red top version, better than oem. My steering is nice and tight, like a new truck now.
Did you tighten this nut or do you think it was just replacing the steering box?
First time this happens to me mine had 2 threads showing after my local tech hit it with an impact now I got 6 7 threads showing thank you. I was about to throw a drag link at my truck
Informative video but that ungodly background noise was definitely not needed.
First video that showed my exact problem! Thank you SO much, how do I torque to 350 w/the box not secure to the frame tho???
if you figure it out let me know. I tried this yesterday and coundn't get it past the 4th thread
OMG i just saw this video this is happening on my 2012 f250 on 12inch. I'm doing tomorrow since there is a truck ride out. Thanks for sharing this info
Hey what lift kit are you running. My 14 is on a 12” lift on 40s. I’m wanting a new lift kit.
Ok if I’m wrong I’m wrong but I’m not. BUT the height of that nut has nothing to do with loose steering. Think about it, tension on the links and rods is side to side not vertical. When you rotate the steering wheel it rotates the shaft into the steering box and rotated spline, which moves your pitman arm left and right NOT up and down. The only up and down adjustment is the adjustment bolt on top of the steering box held in place by a lock nut. You can check all this out by watching the many many videos on adjusting steering box’s available......
From what I learned the splines on the steering box are tapered so when you’re tightening the nut down you’re forcing the pitman arm up that taper. The further down the pitman arm on the shaft the more play it’ll have.
Chris, Great video! It was very helpful and I was able to get my 2013 F350 steering squared away! Same part number fit the F350 as well. Have a good one!
Hey man thanks for the video but what’s with the 60’s alien movie music? Kinda ruins it.....
I know lol. I’m not a videographer by any means. I’ve since hired a couple. I have a few videos on my shops channel Bespoke Motors that is much more pleasing to watch
My understanding is that most of these one time use nuts can still be tightened, as long as you don't remove them or loosen them. Therefore, if you have several threads exposed above it, you could probably just squirt the red loctite on and tighten it and leave the same nut on.
That's not true. I've removed and reused the same one on my truck over 3 times. I just put loctite on them. And torque the bolt properly.
@@BMWBADBOYM3 I bet you can not change your oil and be fine too. These are guidelines lol.
Any more content on the super duty its nice
Do you think these steps will work on a 2018?
I've came to the conclusion that I need to change my steering box I've changed everything else and the nut holding the pitman arm to the steering box is tight.
Wicket customs makes a nut lock ! Works flawlessly
Wicked*
THE CHEAP METHOD, DRILL A SMALL HOLE IN THE BOLT, PUT A LARGE WASHER AND A COTTER PIN JUST BELOW THE NUT. JUST LIKE WHEEL HUBS, THEY NEVER WILL FALL OFF.
THAT'S A VERY EXPENSIVE SHOCKET.
THANKS FOR THE VIDEO.
Incredibly helpful. Thank you!
Wish you would of shown how you moved it
Do Yourself It?
Thought it was "do it yourself"😂
I live in New England I could paint my whole frame today and by tomorrow it wouldn’t look as good as yours
Hello, very good video ... in my case I have no game on the steering wheel but it makes pressure to the right and left (I mean that when I turn the steering wheel does not return and I have to force it to stay on course) you think it is for him same problem?
Yup its that sloppy steering
Is it 4 wheel drive,? If so it's probably a bad universal joint.
He didn’t show the threads because he was wrong. Just looked at a brand new 2019 and it has about two and a half threads out of the factory. This video was just clickbait.
What brand is your impact? Great vid!
Looks like a Milwaukee Fuel 20 Volt Impact...
What size what’s thatsockey
Could you put the paet number in the description, also you never mentioned the size of socket that you would need. Im having some crazy wandering and replaced all steering joints and ball joints and it's still there. I only have the radius arm bushings ledt to replace but am sick of throwing parts at my truck. I love the truck but want it to drive like when I first bought it.
He said 21 mm in the video
👌🏽
Seriously... still no answers as to how many threads are supposed to show after the nut is tightened? No picture of how it’s supposed to look after install? Come on.
Mine had 2 showing after had about 6 1/2
keep your music level consistent . what's with the increasing loud volume forcing listening to lower the volume?? it's annoying .. then we have to increase volume again to hear your voice
What size is the socket?
46
45 mm or 1 13/16
Why is your music so freaking loud?
Back to say again this guy is WRONG. Just had my steering gearbox and ball joints replaced and voila.
Holy F#@k with the unnecessary background noise
Oh wow that music has to go.
I hate loud music on videos. If your music is louder than you voice then what's the point
Music way to loud. Not needed!
Ditch that loud and annoying music. Please!