Loose/floppy column shifter

[Danno1985]

My 2011 has the classic loose column shifter thing. When I first bought the truck, I asked the selling dealer to take a look at it and they made some kind of quick fix that lasted about six months, so my guess is they just replaced the bushing with a crappy aftermarket one which wore out much quicker than the original.

I have the replacement bushing from Ford, but before I start taking things apart, I'm wondering if anyone has some definitive advice about what all needs to be taken apart to get to the bushing. Tips for disassembly, etc. I'm wary of snapping brittle plastic clips, so the less I have to take apart, the better.

 

[Curious Hound]

It has been a while since I did it. Steering wheel can stay on. Key cylinder can stay in place. I don't remember what else, besides the clam shell cover needs to come off. It might help to loosen or remove the steering column mounting bolts to let the column droop and give you more clearance. Here is a picture of the shifter exposed. I'm pointing toward the 2 bushings. If in doubt, go to a U-pull junk yard and practice. It may be worth the entrance fee.

 

[Danno1985]

Ohh.. That's way more in depth than I was hoping for. I assumed it was just the bushing where the shifter inserts into the steering column. I guess there's only one way to find out.

 

[Mister G]

Ohh.. That's way more in depth than I was hoping for. I assumed it was just the bushing where the shifter inserts into the steering column. I guess there's only one way to find out.

Search youtube, there are videos on this. Not too bad, just take your time. I suggest lubing the bushings. The play can also be in your shifter itself. There is a pin that tends to wear. Parts for that are available on Amazon.

 

[JJMaine]

Look up YouTube videos for sure. If I remember, it could be worn out bushings or it might just be that the bolt on the end of the column has worked its way loose. I'll try to find the video I used when I fixed mine.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I’ve had the bolts at the back come loose, I blue locktite the bolts in when I find them loose

Oh, and it really isn’t a terrible job. Looks scary, but it’s really not bad.