02 tight steering will not return to center

[30fords]

I have an 02 just over a 100,000 and the steering will not return to center. I checked the tie rod ends and one is too tight to move by hand, you need a channel locks. Any ideas? I was hoping it was not the gear box.
I jacked it up and could not hear anything binding and nothing seems loose.

[way2old]

Remove the steering shaft that goes into the steering box. There are little u-joints in the shaft that will freeze up and cause the binding.

[30fords]

Originally Posted by way2old

Remove the steering shaft that goes into the steering box. There are little u-joints in the shaft that will freeze up and cause the binding.

That has already been replaced.

[lesab92]

Just wondering if you ever resolved your steering issue. I have a 2001 GM that does not return to center after left or right turns. Mine returns almost to center but the wheel remains at about a 5 degree angle left or right and the vehicle continues to turn.

[30fords]

Originally Posted by lesab92

Just wondering if you ever resolved your steering issue. I have a 2001 GM that does not return to center after left or right turns. Mine returns almost to center but the wheel remains at about a 5 degree angle left or right and the vehicle continues to turn.

no actually i'm getting ready to take it in because i never got a reply. i replaced the ujoint on it a couple years ago so i would not suspect it unless they go bad that quick. the upper and lower pall joints on the passenger side have been replaced and that didn't work. so i'm down to gear box or the same ujoint went bad.
I love the car but these things are anoying. there should be a better desgin for these components. ive had cars with many more miles and in much worse shape that didn't have these problems.

[lesab92]

Check my post about our 2001 that was experiencing Steering Wander. See my latest response. My mechanic figured out the problem. Not sure what you meant when you stated that your tie rod end was too tight. If the tie rod end is not moving freely, that could be the problem. Because with my 2001 MGM, the idler arm was so tight that the wheels would not totally return to center even though the caster was correct.

[30fords]

well it has been determined it's the steering gearbox. so that is my next project. i was hoping it was something else because it does not look like much fun.