Correct Hard Steering Condition - Lube Steering U-Joints for ’04 thru ’08 F-150 Trucks

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4 жыл бұрын

Learn how I lubricate the u-joints on the steering shaft to fix the hard steering condition and prolong the life of the steering shaft. It is not just a matter of putting oil on the outside of the U-Joint, you must have a buddy help you to get oil into the U-Joint Bearings. I re-lubricate my steering shaft every year to keep oil in the U-Joints. I have other instructions in the video, if you try oil on the U-Joints and it does not seem to help the hard steer condition. This technique applies to any car or truck with one or more U-Joints on the steering shaft that does not have grease fittings to lubricate the U-Joints. Many cars and trucks on the road today use U-Joints on the Steering Shaft.
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Пікірлер: 80

@user-gk7xd7zp4b Ай бұрын

Am pleased to know that important car problems can be explained in video forms which highly educative and useful to laymen like me. Thanks to the instructions you give us. Amen.

@StilesAutomotive Ай бұрын

User, Yes, true, if a picture is worth 1000 words, a video is worth 10,000. You are welcome, I appreciate the feedback! - Stiles

@craigsuccee3404 4 жыл бұрын

Informative video for the do-it-yourselfer. Thanks, I will be applying this maintenance to my '13 Tacoma that has had stiff steering for the past few weeks.

@StilesAutomotive 4 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help! Yep, a number of cars and most light trucks use this type of steering shaft. If you have looseness replace the shaft, however if you experience hard steering or resistance. Try lubing the U-Joints first. I hope you enjoy many more years with your Tacoma! Thanks for the comment. - Stiles

@BostonBugsy 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, doing this on my 08 Explorer right now. Much appreciated

@StilesAutomotive 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! You are welcome! - Stiles

@dw1384 11 ай бұрын

dude it was so helpful! you rule!! fixing my steering shaft u joint tomorrow and this was the first video that came up for lubing them. you just have that life experience. i never even thought once about heating oil up like that and lubing up joints with it. thank you

@StilesAutomotive 11 ай бұрын

DW, Yep, you got it, and it helps to use a Buddy to move the Steering Wheel, helps get Lube into the Bearings. I've said it many times, if you have any looseness in the Steering Shaft, you need to replace it. - Stiles

@ronaldbovetskysr.1177 3 жыл бұрын

Thank for information. Makes sense. Will be trying.

@StilesAutomotive 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment! Let me know how it goes. - Stiles

@matthugo9703 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks! This worked wonders on the 2012 Expedition that I just bought used. It’s been sitting in the driveway for a while before my lease went back and the steering kept getting tighter and tighter each time I’d take it for a spin to run it. I was going to replace the lower shaft assembly and stumbled onto this video. I washed everything out with WD 40 really well while my daughter ran the steering wheel, then doused it all in warmed up 80w90 gear oil with a paintbrush. Incredible results! We’ll see how long I can put off replacement doing this a couple times a year as maintenance!

@StilesAutomotive 4 жыл бұрын

Hopefully the gear lube will stay in your bearing a while, I lube mine once a year and I feel a noticeable difference before and after. It hasn't gone back to how hard it was the first time I lubed it, so some lube is staying in my bearings. I'm glad the video helped! Thanks for your comment. - Stiles

@mrhinckle2768 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips. Worked on 2017 Ram 1500. Appreciate the video. Saved me $400 for the part. Bought me some time at least before I replace the shaft. Subbed. 👍🏻

@StilesAutomotive Жыл бұрын

Mr. Hinckle, You are very welcome! If your Steering gets stiff again, lube, as necessary. If it gets loose make sure to replace it! - Stiles

@WilliamGemstone 3 жыл бұрын

This worked on my Volvo semi truck thanks!

@StilesAutomotive 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment! - Stiles

@esantana4291 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. You saved me money and stress!!!

@StilesAutomotive 2 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help! I appreciate the comment! - Stiles

@HMSFord 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video! I just had this same problem on my Expedition. I used a 50-50 mix of WD-40 and engine oil (10w 40) and applied it using a spray bottle, rotating the steering column to make sure I got the U-joins all covered. It worked like a charm.

@StilesAutomotive 2 жыл бұрын

HMS, You're very welcome! Plan to do this annually or sooner if you feel it getting stiff again. If you start to get looseness, then you have to replace the Steering Shaft! I appreciate the comment! - Stiles

@walterlester511 4 жыл бұрын

I tried using a spray lube and my steering was better, but it was not like new as you said in the video. So, I tried the brush method with my son at the steering wheel and now my steering is like new! Thanks

@StilesAutomotive 4 жыл бұрын

Yep, it is a matter of getting lube down into each of those 8 bearings (4 each U-Joint). If you can do it with spray lube, great! But don't finish with a light lube like Liquid Wrench or WD-40, you need an oil or grease. And put a rag over the Exhaust Manifold. My method ensures you get lube into those U-Joints! And remember, if your U-Joints are loose at all, replace them! Thanks for the comment! - Stiles

@salvadormoreno7743 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks ...a lot man !... really works

@StilesAutomotive 4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! I hope you have many more miles of enjoyment out of your vehicle. Thanks for the comment. - Stiles

@roberthoot3358 3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful sir I appreciate the knowledge ty very much

@StilesAutomotive 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment. - Stiles

@Bulletz4Breakfast13 10 ай бұрын

Great video, thanks man

@StilesAutomotive 10 ай бұрын

Marwell, I replied to your other comment with the question. And I appreciate the feedback! - Stiles

@user-mb7sn7uw6s 4 ай бұрын

Very informative thank you for sharing this video

@StilesAutomotive 4 ай бұрын

User, You are very welcome, I appreciate the feedback! - Stiles

@jaccobshepherd8812 Жыл бұрын

Appreciate the video. Going to try this on my 2007 Pontiac g5

@StilesAutomotive Жыл бұрын

jaccob, It should work on any U-Joint equipped Steering Shaft. If your Steering Shaft or other Steering Parts are or become loose, be sure to replace them. - Stiles

@mdb831 8 ай бұрын

Fluid film works great too

@StilesAutomotive 8 ай бұрын

MDB, Yep, I bet it would, as long as you get it into the Bearings! Good Tip! - Stiles

@damonruiz5405 5 ай бұрын

Thank you man ! Four shops told me I needed a new rack and pin . Sprayed wd40 just to see and instantly was the problem

@StilesAutomotive 4 ай бұрын

Damon, You are welcome. Now that you know the problem, the WD40 won't stay for long, work in an Oil or heavier Lube and plan to do it periodically (as needed, or once a year). And . . . I've stated it before, it the Steering starts to get loose at all, its time to replace it. I appreciate the comment! - Stiles

@yungnguyen82 2 ай бұрын

fluid film works great on these steering shaft u joints

@StilesAutomotive 2 ай бұрын

Yung, Yep, lots of lube will work, that is if you get them into the Bearings where it is needed. I appreciate the comment! - Stiles

@abird2931 3 жыл бұрын

I sprayed liquid wrench on mine, worked great.

@StilesAutomotive 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, now that you got some penetrant in there, I'd recommend you now use a lube with some staying power, some thicker. Even if you choose to use a spray on lube, hit it again now and periodically. Thanks for the comment. - Stiles

@bluetruck53 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 2005 Ford Freestyle crossover that has just one U joint near the steering box, but it had the same issue, especially after I hadn't driven for awhile. The Walmart version of WD worked, spraying from top and from bottom, but I like the idea of a heavier oil to have it last longer. Thanks. I had tried changing much of the steering fluid first before seeing another video like yours last night.

@StilesAutomotive 2 жыл бұрын

Very good! Thanks for the comment. - Stiles

@BostonBugsy 2 жыл бұрын

How do you like your freestyle? I've had F-150s and explorers, the freestyle looks like a nice little crossover.

@bluetruck53 2 жыл бұрын

@@BostonBugsy The Freestyle was only made from 2005 thru 2007 and was replaced by the Ford Edge. It has a Volvo engine and transmission (CVT) which I faithfully have the fluid changed as trans can be expensive repair. Ford owned Volvo back then. It is pretty big crossover with lots of room with rear seats folded flat. Gets maybe 14 mpg around town but as high as 29 mpg on highway with cruise set at 65 mph. The computer tells me when to change engine oil at twice a year but it comes out pretty clean still with lower milage due to pandemic, so I may reset next time and just change once a year, uses Motorcraft 5/20 blend. You may find good deals but be wary of the trans if uncertain of fluid changes. Mine has only 130,000 miles and runs fine.

@victorbalogh4706 Жыл бұрын

Awesome thank you😅

@StilesAutomotive Жыл бұрын

Victor, You are very welcome, I appreciate the comment! - Stiles

@andrewm8831 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, I managed to locate the coupling for the Steering rack which is located in the driver,s side cabin,which I lubed with a graphite spray, also this gave me access to the clutch and brake pedal linkages which I also managed to lubricate

@StilesAutomotive 2 жыл бұрын

Andrew, Awesome! A little lube goes a long way, but not forever. Glad it helped. Thanks for the comment! - Stiles

@timdorf2612 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the video. '08 gmc savana having the same problem, driving me nuts and quite unsafe not having the steering wheel return smoothly after turning a corner. Firestone claimed they lubricated the lower u-joint but problem persisted just as bad. I will give your fix a shot this weekend and will see what happens. Thanks again.

@StilesAutomotive 4 жыл бұрын

Tim, Firestone probably used a spray lube on your U-Joint, this works some of the time, but not all of the time. That's why I show the method I do, you gotta work the lube into those bearings. Be sure to use a buddy, especially if your U-Joint is hard to get to. Best of luck, let me know how it goes, and thanks for the comment! - Stiles

@roadiemort3589 4 жыл бұрын

That is what I first noticed on my F150 slow return of the wheel after turning a corner, I lubed it with a penetrating oil for starters and will drive it for a week or so before using your brush method to get it oiled properly.

@leodeboca 2 ай бұрын

good

@StilesAutomotive 2 ай бұрын

Leo, Ok, thanks for the feedback! - Stiles

@lancebrown2421 3 жыл бұрын

I have to try this on my 2007 Ford f150 I purchased. Not a daily drive. I noticed light tightness in the steering at times. The U joint looks like yours. Rusty and dry. Hope this helps. Also I did not realize I have no dip stick. The garage i bought it from failed to mention and i failed to look. The top area is all rusted/torn. I found out that is common. They put a screw in the hole so debris does not get in there. I need to replace the tube or what ever you call it. There are no oil leaks and the truck drives good.

@StilesAutomotive 3 жыл бұрын

Lance, They are good Trucks, but have a few little design issues that if corrected give you many dependable miles. I need to do one video to roll them all up. Thanks for the comment! - Stiles

@karinlong7598 4 жыл бұрын

Use spray on Lithium grease on my '06 F150, works great. Phil

@StilesAutomotive 4 жыл бұрын

Great Comment! Grease is the best, if you can work it into all 8 of the bearings. I hope you continue to enjoy your 2006 for many years!

@mikes6290 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Bought a can and $10 and 10 minutes later, steering is perfect!

@myeyesite1198 3 жыл бұрын

Dang! I already ordered the new part, wished i had seen this first...maybe i can cancel my order 👍

@StilesAutomotive 3 жыл бұрын

Or, send it back. Like I stated in the video if you have any looseness in your Steering U-Joints even thou the Steering may be Stiff, replace your Steering Shaft. I Lube my Steering once a year and it is going on year 5, I believe. Thanks for the comment! - Stiles

@StilesAutomotive 3 жыл бұрын

@Aron Trent Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment. - Stiles

@boydmerriman Жыл бұрын

Just got a 2004 GMC Sierra last month and doing a lot of needed parts updating and "proofing". I saw my steering joint and wondered about it, so I looked it up and found this video. But why heat up a whole bottle? Whatever. Thanks for showing us how to apply the oils. An extra thought for getting into it, there is a WD40 Specialist Penetrant Fast Acting that is designed to help get into more rusty or stiff parts like this.

@StilesAutomotive Жыл бұрын

Boyd, It doesn't hurt the Oil to heat it to this low temperature, and I'm heating it to make it flow easier, of course. Yes, there are a number of Lubrications that would work good for this and the Spray Lubes may work as well, but you have to get it into the Joint and into the Bearings. I appreciate the comment! - Stiles

@Bulletz4Breakfast13 10 ай бұрын

What about Blaster White Lithium Grease Spray, it's designed to lube joints like this and penetrate easily then thicken up to stay on for years and withstand water and oils

@Bulletz4Breakfast13 10 ай бұрын

Would White Lithium Grease spray work? Its designed to lube joints and gears and metal to metal contact. Ive always used white lithium grease spray on metal joints that are not high friction like wheel bearings that need NLGI#2. I imagine the spray would penetrate the ujoints quickly and prevent friction for years. Interested to hear back from you on this. If not my 02 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.7L takes 5W-30 High Milage Fully Synthetic motor oil.

@StilesAutomotive 10 ай бұрын

Marwell, Yep the Lithium Spray will work great if you can get it into the Bearings of the U-Joint. The reason I use the method that I do is to ensure I work the Lube into the Bearing. Spray Lube can be messy, make sure to put a paper towel or 2 or 3, covering your Exhaust Manifold and other Parts near the U-Joint. My Steering Shaft is very near the Hot Exhaust Manifold and needs to be reLubed, each year or so. - Stiles

@SAAXLCH Ай бұрын

50% acetone 50% atf to clean and prep for lube. melt grease in a pan? or motorcycle chain libe?

@StilesAutomotive Ай бұрын

SAAXLCH, All very good ideas, Chain Lube (either Motorcycle or regular) are are good, they have a component that evaporates away and leaves the good stuff in place. Warming up Grease I like the best. You have to get in down into the Bearings! I appreciate the comment! - Stiles

@dustinsouthworth8139 Жыл бұрын

Any ideas why a power steering reservoir would be bubbling? I’ve replaced me entire power steering system. Rack, lines, pump, reservoir and it’s still bubbling

@StilesAutomotive Жыл бұрын

Dustin, Bubbles of course mean air are entering the System somewhere. If you replaced everything . . . if your leak or poor seal were on the pressure side, you would have Steering Fluid squirting out. So, you problem is likely on the suction side, I know this doesn't help a lot, but it eliminates 1/2 of the System. Let me know how it goes! - Stiles

@davidcampbell1563 3 жыл бұрын

I had already sprayed the joint with WD40 to see if that was the issue and it definitely got better temporarily. If I lube it with grease to delay the replacement is it actually safe to keep driving with it this way? At what point does it have to be replaced? Thanks!

@StilesAutomotive 3 жыл бұрын

David, replace the Steering Shaft if you start to feel looseness or play in the steering. Any at all and the Shaft should be replaced. - Stiles

@TheOneFu33 3 жыл бұрын

My 04 tundra is having the same issues. Every time i make a turn the wheel gets stiff hard. I tried looking at my stering joints but they are different than the ford. Quite honestly i dont even see joints on my tundra 🙁

@StilesAutomotive 3 жыл бұрын

Yep, not every vehicle has the 2 U-Joints like my Truck, some have a single U-Joint (like Some Tundra Trucks) and some have a Single Rubber (or other composite material) Bushing (like Some Tundra Trucks). Your 2004 Tundra appears to have a U-Joint inside the Passenger Compartment and the Rubber Bushing down on the Rack and Pinion. Likely your U-Joints Bearings are dry. If you don't have a Steering Shaft problem like in the video, you may have a one (or both) Tie Rod Ends that are dry and need lubrication or replacement. Let me know how it goes! - Stiles

@michelep9477 3 жыл бұрын

i thought you needed to remove the bottom part of the dashboard to get access to this part. does it differ from car to car? i drive a lincoln mks so am hoping the this wont cost me a lot in labor 🤞🏻

@StilesAutomotive 3 жыл бұрын

Michele, Most cars and light trucks have the Steering Shaft under the Hood in the Engine Compartment. Your MKS has one U-Joint in the Engine Compartment and one under the Dash in the Passenger's Compartment. Yes, you may be required to remove part of the Dash below your Steering Wheel. Get pricing from the couple of shop, unless you have favorite Auto Repair Shop. - Stiles

@henrikloiske8572 2 жыл бұрын

Just use Lithium grease spray

@StilesAutomotive 2 жыл бұрын

Henrik, Like I said in the video, you have to get the lube into the U-Joint down into the bearings, if you spray Lithium Grease all over your Exhaust Manifold and it helps your Steering Linkage good for you. It doesn't do much good to put grease on the outside of the U-Joint. Use my method to force Lube into the Bearings. - Stiles

@tthams73 3 жыл бұрын

You need GREASE not gear lube or motor oil. Lubricants are designed for specific applications. They’re not universal. Pack that U-Joint with a waterproof bearing grease. Your gear oil isn’t doing a damn thing.

@StilesAutomotive 3 жыл бұрын

Agreed, you need in the U-Joints not on the outside. Each Joint needs grease fitting. You can work gear oil into the U-Joint with a brush. Spray on lubes may help free up the U-Joints, but you are not working it into the Bearings. How do you recommend getting the grease into the Bearings? - Stiles