Hi Scotty, my 2003 crown Vic recently hydroplaned off the highway and went into a ditch pretty fast. Lately I’ve noticed at highway speeds the steering is a little loose. I’ve heard rack and pinion and also tie rods, but the tie rods looked ok. What do you think it could be? Thanks
Correct. R&P steering only has rods because the rack directly produces linear motion
Steering systems without a rack needs arms to convert the rotating motion into the linear motion needed to turn the wheels.
Any loose parts in the front end can cause this. Check parts carefully or have a mechanic do it, paying particular attention to Pitman arm, idler arm, tie rod ends, and play in the steering box.
Can you have a pitman arm and idler arm with a rack and pinion setup?
Doesn't the Crown Vic have a 1970s-style full-frame chassis with recirculating ball steering box?
according to Rockauto, the 2003 Crown Vic has R&P steering.
OK, I stand corrected, didn't know they upgraded that chassis to rack-and-peanut steering! Then he should be checking outer and inner tie rods for looseness.
Everything to do with your front suspension.
Anything more specific?
all of it
You need to take it to a professional alignment specialist to access the damage. Your life depends on correct repairs.
If you're lucky it's a bent rim or damaged tire. Otherwise something got bent in the front suspension from the impact. That can only be determined by examination.
That is true.
You've probably got some loose or bent steering/suspension components. It'll be easier to see once it's on a lift.
Yes, it's true
Where you went to ditch you probably been something have the control arms checked by a pro first
Hi Scotty, I got a 2003 crown Vic with 140k miles. I recently hit a curb at the sidewall of the passenger front tire with some force. I broke the hub cap and chipped the curb. There is a steering wheel wobble at speeds above 50 and the alignment is off. I changed the control arms earlier this year. What could it be? Thanks
The steel rim is out of shape
Doing burnouts again?
I was told if you have rack and pinion steering you don’t have a pitman arm, is that true?
My 2003 crown Vic has excessive play in the steering at high speeds. The alignment is off after I hit a curb. I changed the upper control arms within the last year. The steering moves over bumps, more than normal. What could it be? Thanks
Hi Scotty, my 2003 Ford crown Vic all of the sudden starting vibrating/ almost rocking back and forth at 40 mph while going straight. Feels like it’s coming from the rear. Turns feels strange and not as tight as it should be. It was fine last night sliding in the snow but not today. What do you think it could be? Thanks
I unplugged my abs switch like I’ve done in the past and this time the brake light came on. I’ve knew the abs light would come on but this is new
Have you given your endlinks & other bushings a good looking over?
