I have a ford ranger '99 I just replaced the upper and lower ball joints and i greased everything up real nice. I turned the wheel and the only way i can describe it is that there was a jolting/vibrating motion in the steering wheel. I got out and had my buddy turn the wheel a couple of times and you can see the vibrating/jolting in the tire as it turns. Any advice?

Was the vibration there before the ball joints were replaced?

I'm not sure how to explain this but I have seen it before. For some reason when some of the Rangers or Explorers are lifted with the wheels hanging, the steering chatters for a little while after it's lowered. It has always disappeared on it's own when I experienced it though.




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Was the vibration there before the ball joints were replaced?


I did not have this before it was only after everything was back together and i turned the wheels and i could feel it in the steering wheel and then i had my buddy turn the wheel and i could see it in the tires.

Have you driven it a few miles since then?




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no i was worried about later down the road what would happen so i just pulled it right back into the garage

Take it out and drive it a couple miles. I have seen this before and it goes away. It has something to do with the rack binding after the wheels have been left hanging.




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ok i will try that thank you

Yea I’ve felt this as well on the Rangers and Exploders; I believe it’s from turning the steering (left & right) at the wheels, without the engine running. Doing this we’re inadvertently forcing the fluid out of the rack & pinion. Then when the engine is started; the PS pump begins circulating the fluid, into the now somewhat empty rack and the fluid aerates. Aerated fluid will allow some compression of the fluid causing the jittering.
Like what Hammer has said it usually goes away after a few drives.
I don’t know why these vehicles are like this and I haven’t figured out how to minimize this, while working on the vehicle?

Maybe Way2 old can jump in here and explain; he’s our resident Ford man.

Dan.

Canadian "EH"

That sounds like a reasonable explanation




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida