Unstable feel when driving

[baaswimpie]

Hi All.

It might just be me but I don't think so.

For some time now my Ford Ranger is feeling a bit "loose" on the road (even in the mall parking lot) from low speed to decent speed. It will feel like it is running away to the left and then to the right at times.

When I turn the steering from side to side the bakkie takes a while to settle and in this process it is weaving up and down on the sides.

I am looking for some info on where to start the investigations and a decent place/person that can assist me with this.

I have Camil shocks installed (around 70k on the clock) - this sounds obvious but I went to "Oom Piet" who said they are still fine.

I have replaced the idler arm and the inner and outer tierods.

The obvious thing for me would be to replace the shocks.
Do I go back to the OEM brands or choose another aftermarket shock at a premium?

What else could be causing this?
Control arms, steeting rack, etc...

Much appreciated!

[Dustbin]

Does it have any Foton parts?

Because that might be the reason it's acting up!

[baaswimpie]

All Ford...

[Dustbin]

All Ford...

Oh.. sorry then, I could help you here if it was a Foton.

[bokvirsports]

You have covered most of the culprits regarding a WANDERING steering feel if it does have a lot of "play" on the steering then obviously it is steering rack that is acting up and to test if you don't know just drive in a straight line and try to change lanes and see how far you have to turn before something happens, sorry if that was obvious other than that, have you checked your wheel alignment lately it could have a drifting effect if not in line properly due to road surface pulling on an already out steering/ wheel alignment.

You can possibly adjust the steering rack slightly tighter if there is some play to see if it helps.

[Whiteshark225]

I have a slight knock in steering wheel. Asked dealer to have a look they said they could not find anything. Getting more noticeable so i went digging myself, looks like it is coming from lower steering shaft coupler just forward of the firewall. slight play when i grab the shaft and move side to side feel the knock in the steering wheel and shaft. pay another visit to dealer tomorrow see what they say

[baaswimpie]

I have not gotten round to get this checked out.

If you were to consider replacing the shocks would you consider another aftermarket shock or what is the verdict on standard shocks again.

It must be said that I don't do the extreme thing that often.

Cheers.