Steering slushy, slow to return to center

[msujay2012]

After taking my '23 Wildtrak down to KY a few weeks ago for some overlanding and light off-roading on the Kentucky Adventure Tour, I've noticed that my steering is a bit slushy (feels stuck almost) and slow to return to center. I live in an area with a ton of roundabouts and when I start to come out of the left turn with a slight turn back to the right, I have to use slight force to return the steering wheel to center.

I don't have any error codes in the vehicle or Ford Pass. No clicking or other noteworthy noises. I'm going to try airing up from the current 33-34 psi to see if that does anything.

Any ideas?

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[builtMIbronco]

Hit an alignment shop and have them throw it on a rack, does it pull or wander at all when trying to drive straight?

Caster and toe can both cause heavy steering and slow/no return to center.

 

[Jimmiee]

You knocked your Toe-In out of adjustment. This will result in the problem you have. If you have a Firestone locally, they offer lifetime alignments. Be aware some stores don't offer the lifetime so call around.

 

[msujay2012]

Thanks to you both! I will take it to my local Firestone. Appreciate the quick replies. Hate when I knock my toe in.

 

[Big Fish]

I had a similar experience on a WT I had a few months ago. I got up under the steering rack and noticed one of my tie rod boots had slipped off and water/mud had gotten into the steering rack. I wiped it down the best I could, getting all the rust and light mud off that was visible. I then sprayed white lithium grease on it and reattached the tie rod boot to the steering rack. After a few miles of turns it no longer stuck and centered just fine.

 

[msujay2012]

I had a similar experience on a WT I had a few months ago. I got up under the steering rack and noticed one of my tie rod boots had slipped off and water/mud had gotten into the steering rack. I wiped it down the best I could, getting all the rust and light mud off that was visible. I then sprayed white lithium grease on it and reattached the tie rod boot to the steering rack. After a few miles of turns it no longer stuck and centered just fine.

I will check it out this weekend. Appreciate the intel.

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