Does anyone have an idea

[jonathan orr]

Hi Guys Help!!!!!!!!!
I have a 1996 Ford Maverick and when driving along the steering wanders especially when on a bumpy road and feels very loose. I have had it on an MOT ramp but can find no play whatsever in the steering. They Jacked it up in all the right places and we could find no play in the front or rear Suspension. Is this something that one of you has had happen before and how can I pinpoint the problem without taking the whole thing apart.

 

[extreme-4x4]

steering idler is the first thing to check
jack up the front passenger wheel get someone to hold drivers side wheel firm . and see if there is any movement in the passenger wheel side to side . (you could have up to an inch)

but had many steering problems and it could be any of the 6 joints under there linking left to right .

upper and lower ball joints can give you a tripping over itself feeling too but thats a whole new kettle of fish :thumb2

 

[clivvy]

odd, did you definately check ALL the links, steering idler, bar etc? Did you check the wheels? what about the tyres? Is your 4 wheel drive working correctly, maybe the hubs are faulty....I havent had this happen to me, ONLY when the tracking has been out. Then yes, it did wonder and feel loose. Adjust the tracking, and mine was ok and rock solid.

 

[rustic]

Well here I go again, this my favourite rant....:lol
It could be your limited slip diff, if the rear tyres are of different sizes, tread depth, type, tyre pressure etc, the clutches in the rear diff have to slip more if the rear tyre are different, this could have a braking effect on each rear tyre at different times so if there is only the slightest play in the front joints, it could cause the side to side wobble.

Also check all rear suspension joints including the ARB links and bushes.

Good luck,
Rustic