Steering is heavy all of the sudden?

[NC-Expy]

hey guys, another question.

i've had my truck parked in the garage since yesterday and today i went to go take it for a ride and the steering wheel is some what "heavy".

i think i just need more steering fluid?

not so sure.

let me know what you guys think the issue is.

 

[Midnight Rider]

Any noise at all, even if it is all the way to one side?

 

[NC-Expy]

Any noise at all, even if it is all the way to one side?

not really, and what do you mean all the way to one side?

It drives fine but once i start to turn, i feel as if there is no power steering. the wheel is just really heavy

 

[Midnight Rider]

By all the way to one side I mean
like you were trying to make. Very sharp turn.
You if you went out to it while at idle can you turn the steering wheel with one hand?

 

[NC-Expy]

By all the way to one side I mean
like you were trying to make. Very sharp turn.
You if you went out to it while at idle can you turn the steering wheel with one hand?

while idle, i highly doubt it, it was really really heavy while turning 90 degrees into my drive way, and no, not really any sudden or sharp turns.

 

[ELVATO]

Make sure the fluid level is OK.

Here's some other things to check:
-Visually check the steering linkage while an assistant rotates the steering wheel from stop to stop.
-Check the ball joints for binding, lack of lubrication or worn surfaces.
-Visually check the steering gear operation while an assistant rotates the steering wheel from stop to stop.

Or, the problem may be with the pump itself...

 

[Midnight Rider]

If it was fine going into your garage and bad coming out, Did you notice any fluid on the floor?
Have you been noticing any?

 

[NC-Expy]

If it was fine going into your garage and bad coming out, Did you notice any fluid on the floor?
Have you been noticing any?

yeah man! i actually remembered last night as i fell asleep, glad i remembered to mention!!!

there was about 3 medium sized drops leaking from the muffler as i brought it into the garage!

does that somewhat narrow it down?

 

[nvycrmn]

im not sure if you are being sarcastic or not. in case you are not, no, that shouldnt be anything other than condensation coming from your exhaust.

 

[NC-Expy]

im not sure if you are being sarcastic or not. in case you are not, no, that shouldnt be anything other than condensation coming from your exhaust.

lol. wasn't being sarcastic just glad someone had mentioned it because i remembered that i did have some leaking.

 

[Midnight Rider]

Have you checked the fluid level yet?
The level on mine can be seen without removing anything. It is a ****** reservoir on the drivers side closer to the engine on mine. If the fluid is there I would suspect the pump.
I have rarely seen power steering go quietly without it being the pump. Hopefully some of the mechanics on here can join in.
I imagine this thing is a beast to steer without PS.

 

[NC-Expy]

Have you checked the fluid level yet?
The level on mine can be seen without removing anything. It is a ****** reservoir on the drivers side closer to the engine on mine. If the fluid is there I would suspect the pump.
I have rarely seen power steering go quietly without it being the pump. Hopefully some of the mechanics on here can join in.
I imagine this thing is a beast to steer without PS.

just checked the level of the PS fluid, it's a little bit above maximum but it's quite black.

dirty in other words..

should i drain it and refill?

 

[NC-Expy]

also...

where can i buy PS fluid...

never really replaced it before, i know i need to use Ford premium or whatever but please tell me i don't have to buy it from ford...

 

[nvycrmn]

you can go to any autozone or somewhere like that and pick up PS fluid. if it is black, i would def get it changed out. it could just be clogging your ps pump.

 

[NC-Expy]

you can go to any autozone or somewhere like that and pick up PS fluid. if it is black, i would def get it changed out. it could just be clogging your ps pump.

thanks. think wal-mart would have any? i usually get my engine oil from there

 

[joezek]

Any updates? Is it fixed?

Did you check the belt to see if it slips?

Isn't there a wire and a sensor mounted on the pump to monitor or control pressure at various speeds?

 

[xbid]

Fluid

Spec is Mercron V just like in the tranny.

 

[NC-Expy]

Any updates? Is it fixed?

Did you check the belt to see if it slips?

Isn't there a wire and a sensor mounted on the pump to monitor or control pressure at various speeds?

sorry for the late response, but yeah, all i did was get it inspected, told them about it.. they said everything is fine. after a couple of days it just turned back to normal... air pressure in tires didnt change.

 

[jacks3am]

i hate my steering, its so easy to steer that i could a pinkey, i dont like it like that, i love it staying in place, with a little resistance while turning

 

[ELVATO]

Install some underdrive pullies. It'll free up some HP, and underdrive the power steering, which in turn will toughen it up a little.