Heavy Power Steering

[locosol96]

Don't know if this is the right place for this, but here goes-

'03 EB has power steering problems on startup. Wheel will turn maybe a 1/4, then get stiff, then loosen up, then go stiff. It goes away within a few mintues when the car warms up. No squeaks, whining or groaning sounds coming from car. PS fluid reservoir is full. I don't see any leaks.

Planning on looking into it this weekend, but wanted to know if anyone had some ideas about what to look for. The only ideas I have are:
-belt loose
-fluid needs to be changed
-A leak I haven't found yet

Anyone have this problem or have any ideas?

 

[KWT2000]

sounds like the viscosity of the fluid is way off since once warm it goes away i would flush the system and go from there

 

[locosol96]

Kind of what I was thinking about doing. Just wanted to be sure I was analyzing correectly. Also, I'd rather start with something simple before I start replacing things.

 

[locosol96]

Changed out the PS fluid. I don't know what was in there, but it sure as sh*t wasn't the recommended Ford fluid. Problem solved.

 

[KWT2000]

glad to hear!! if you get you oil changed at different shops watch what they top it off with could be the problem