Navigator Power steering problem

[Nathan Smith]

So I have an '03 Navigator. The power steering is occasionally weak. It's not so hard as if it was not working at all but "sticky". I tried disconnecting the return line anf turning the engine over to flush the system with new fluid but nothing is moving. so I though perhaps I have the wrong line. But nope there is nothing in the reservoir either.

So it appears as though the fluid is not moving. But the pump is not whining. The fluid is full. and it only occasionally has an issue.

any ideas?

 

[Hamfisted]

A new pump is less than $100 if you want to eliminate that as a cause. They don't always make noise before they go bad. Are you the original owner ?

 

[Nathan Smith]

A new pump is less than $100 if you want to eliminate that as a cause. They don't always make noise before they go bad. Are you the original owner ?

I am not the original owner. but if the pump were really not working wouldn't the steering be always adversely affected?

is there any way the rack could cause these symptoms?

 

[Retiredusps]

Check the steering shaft for frozen u joint.Most of the time it is the lower one I thought it was the rack.Replaced the shaft and u joint back to new.

 

[Nathan Smith]

If you have a navigator with a 5.4 and you need a power steering pump. Do yourself a favor and just buy a new car.

 

[Nathan Smith]

Check the steering shaft for frozen u joint.Most of the time it is the lower one I thought it was the rack.Replaced the shaft and u joint back to new.

This was the problem. It was the top joint though. Rather than pay $300 to replace it I took it out, cleaned it up really well and soaked it in Deep Creep overnight. It's not like brand new but the steering is perfect.