[cmotogt]

Hi guys,
SO i have a 2005 GT and i'm noticing a vague feeling in the steering, like its hard to keep it within the lane at highways speeds, the car is lowered and has a bumpsteer kit. I just recently had an alignment, but i've been trying to tackle this issue for quite some time now and i decided it might be time to get some fresh ideas.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated!

 

[funkboy316]

Hi guys,
SO i have a 2005 GT and i'm noticing a vague feeling in the steering, like its hard to keep it within the lane at highways speeds, the car is lowered and has a bumpsteer kit. I just recently had an alignment, but i've been trying to tackle this issue for quite some time now a.nd i decided it might be time to get some fresh ideas.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated!

how many miles?

my first inclination is worn ball joints.

 

[Bullitt95]

my first inclination is worn ball joints.

x2

 

[jlee910]

As others have stated, check your ball joints. If they're gone, I'd personally use it as an excuse to upgrade control arms at the same time!

 

[pikapp]

ditto, ball joints don't last too long on the stangs.

 

[cmotogt]

It just broke 70k, jacked her up this morning and found no noticeable play with my hands at 12 and 6 but I did notice a bit of play at 9 and 3. I know it can't be the tie rod ends because they've only got about 1000 miles on them so maybe inner tie rods?

 

[SVT Rider]

It just broke 70k, jacked her up this morning and found no noticeable play with my hands at 12 and 6 but I did notice a bit of play at 9 and 3. I know it can't be the tie rod ends because they've only got about 1000 miles on them so maybe inner tie rods?

The guys above are referring to the ball joints on the lower control arms (not the tie rod end ball joints).

A popular replacement is the updated control arms for the GT500, as the ball joint is not a OEM serviceable part (unless you press in aftermarket ones) and the updated arms are bulkier (Ford's TSB 09-24-16 documents this change).
Ford Racing Mustang Front Lower Control Arms M-3075-E (05-09 V6, 05-10 GT and 07-09 GT500) - Free Shipping

Does anyone here know how to check if the ball joint is worn and needs replacement? I suspect mine are due for a change, but I tested using the service manual diagnosis and the arm doesn't budge.

 

[pikapp]

Does anyone here know how to check if the ball joint is worn and needs replacement? I suspect mine are due for a change, but I tested using the service manual diagnosis and the arm doesn't budge.

Does this help?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Xrp3eGgISRM

 

[cmotogt]

checked the ball joints in a very similar fashion as the video and i didnt notice much play. I am at a bit of a dead end here as to what could be causing this issue
facepalm2.gif

 

[funkboy316]

checked the ball joints in a very similar fashion as the video and i didnt notice much play. I am at a bit of a dead end here as to what could be causing this issue
facepalm2.gif

pop the ball joint out of the knuckle and move it around, it should not move easily.

i have never ever had any luck testing ball joints using the tire pull method. IMO it just doesnt work with modern day cars.

on my mustang i had no play using the tire pull method, but when i popped the joint out i could flick it around by thumping it with my pinky


its not as likely but worn inner tie rods could also cause steering travel

 

[jpplaw]

Bad toe settings causes the "wandering" feeling. Bad ball joints and/or tie rod ends are usually the cause. Tires all good?

 

[Bullitt95]

It just broke 70k, jacked her up this morning and found no noticeable play with my hands at 12 and 6 but I did notice a bit of play at 9 and 3. I know it can't be the tie rod ends because they've only got about 1000 miles on them so maybe inner tie rods?

You could have play in the inner tie rods where they meet the steering rack.

 

[cmotogt]

Tires are about 75%, so I'm ruling that out. I'm gonna take a look at the ball joints and also look into the inner tie rod. the only thing that leads me to think inner tie rod over ball joint is the fact that when I wiggle the tire at 3 and 9 I'm feeling a bit more play on the passenger side that the drivers side. But I'm still thinking the ball joints should get a good look over too.

Thanks to everyone so far!