So, this time is for my 08 Escape. This is what I have going on. I've replaced the abs clock spring, sway link bars on both front sides, the A-Arm on the front passengers side, the tone ring on the front passengers side, the abs sensor on the front passengers side and the steering coupler. Here's the problem, it still has way to much play in the steering wheel and a slight pull. We have checked, rechecked and re-rechecked EVERYTHING and nothing is loose, worn or not put together correctly. ANY suggestions??? Could it be we had the steering wheel off to replace the abs clock spring? Any suggestions would be so gratefully appreciated!

 

I hope you had the wheels straight ahead when removing and reinstalling the steering wheel. If not, get that corrected first.
With the front wheels off the ground, you should be able to turn the steering wheel to the extreme left and right positions and then back to center. does the steering wheel appear to be in the correct position, spokes on steering wheel in straight ahead position, yes / No ?
If from the extreme left position to the extreme right position., count the number of turns total, divide half . Example:: 21/2 turns divided by 2= 11/4 that many turns should get you in the center position of the steering box.AND the steering wheel should be in the straight ahead position, is it Yes/ No ?
If not , you need to have an alignment done to bring that result.
Need answers before going any further.

Lets hope the clockspring has not been damaged because if it is you will be back to square one, AGAIN !

 

I hope you had the wheels straight ahead when removing and reinstalling the steering wheel- Yes, the steering wheel was straight.
With the front wheels off the ground, you should be able to turn the steering wheel to the extreme left and right positions and then back to center. does the steering wheel appear to be in the correct position, spokes on steering wheel in straight ahead position, yes / No ?- Yes, they are straight ahead.

If from the extreme left position to the extreme right position., count the number of turns total, divide half . Example:: 21/2 turns divided by 2= 11/4 that many turns should get you in the center position of the steering box.AND the steering wheel should be in the straight ahead position, is it Yes/ No ?- I have NO clue, I'll have to check that out.

If not , you need to have an alignment done to bring that result.- this is what I'm thinking bc we replaced the a-arm and tone ring on the front passengers side and the last alignment was on 2-1-25.

 

Was the alignment done before or after the parts were replaced ?

Once we get all the necessary info , we can do a steering box adjustment.

Most shops don't get involved with steering box work,. it is not difficult, you just need to follow a certain procedure,

 

Done after, except the tone ring and steering coupler. We did the A-arm then had it aligned. The pulled the receipts for the A-arm and we replaced it back at theJan 27, 2024 and we left it parked until his alignment on 2-1-25

 

I hope you mean the universal joint between the steering box shaft and the shaft coming out of the vehicle steering column when you say steering coupler.


Not knowing how deep you got into the steering column , once the key is off steering wheel should be in locked position. Why did you need to replace/disconnect
the U Joint? ?
With the U Joint disconnected and the steering wheel moved past certain points the clock spring in the column could be destroyed. !
Did you watch out for that ?

 

It's the coupler/ujoint from the steering column to right past the firewall, it was bad and wiggling and making a popping/clunking noise. The steering wheel was removed to replace the abs clock spring and yes, the steering wheel was locked and the ignition was never turned back on until the job was done.

 

Good work ! Thank You for the update.

You should now be ready to adjust the steering box.

If you have the wheels off the ground and the steering wheel in the straight ahead position.,
Loosen the adjusting nut on the side of the steering box.,
turn the center screw in one half turn.from the position it was in before loosening the locking nut.
Attempt to move the steering wheel back and forth about 2 inches.. You should feel some drag on the steering wheel when moving it ONLY while in that centered position. That is called the sector shaft adjustment. If you don.t feel any drag, turn the screw another half turn. You do this until you feel that slight drag.That drag is what helps keep the steering snug when going straight ahead. You only want slight drag, and when you get that lock the adjusting screw in that position while holding the screw from moving when you tighten the lock nut You are now done. Go for a road test and see if the looseness/wander problem is gone.

 

AWESOME!!! Thank You!!! It will probably this weekend before I'll be able to do it bc hubby drives it to work everyday. I'll update asap on it!