2016 5.7 Hemi Steering wheel locks while turning

[chsrmnd]

Hello Folks, I seem to have 2 distinct issues with my steering currently. First, one day in the morning i fired up the truck and when i tried to back out of the driveway my steering wheel was locked up, couldn't turn. Put the truck back in drive and it felt like something "broke loose" and i could steer again. Ever since then while taking a corner my steering will, almost, lock up for a split second and release again. I have learned if it take corners like grandma its not nearly as bad, but you can still feel the resistance.

Issue number 2, while related or not i do not know. At first i though it might be a wheel bearing but i hear this slight grinding noise whenever i turn the wheel out of the straight position. What tells me it not the bearing, happens when I'm parked.

please tell me there is a sensor that needs to be replaced on not the full rack and pinion i cant even find.

thanks

 

[huntergreen]

Any codes ?

 

[04fxdwgi]

Your 1st issue sounds just like my last F150. The intermediate steering shaft U-joints were dry / bad. I fixed mine by pumping grease thru the rubber boots and into the u-joint cups by squirting it in using a needle adapter on the grease gun.

Lasted over 10 years after that and truck was sold.

 

[chsrmnd]

These where the codes under the EPS
C2129-17
C2129-16
U0415-00
C2128-00
C15C1-00

 

[Wild one]

These where the codes under the EPS
C2129-17
C2129-16
U0415-00
C2128-00
C15C1-00

Google the codes,if you don't know what they mean.

 

[Jeepwalker]

I agree ...intermediate steering shaft. The Lower U-joints get 'tight'. A number of forum members have been through something like that. The best would be to remove the intermediate shaft and inspect the condition...and try to lube up the u-joint crosses if you can. If it's salvageable. It's possible one of the joints has already rusted up bad and maybe even the bearings failed. The lower cost aftermarket intermediate shafts are 'iffy' for the most part. But if you get one where the ends are welded in alignment, they work ok. But I've had two (for another vehicle) where they were just welded wrong. If you can work some lube into the one you have, and save it, then reuse.

Or you might see if you can put the front wheels up on jackstands and try to lube the U-joint crosses on the truck and work lube into them. But better to do on the bench.

Adding a drop of lube to the lower u-joint on an intermediate shaft almost ought to be a yearly maintenance item.