Hard Steering

[JohnA]

'10 Exp XLT 109K. Over the past 3 months, steering has gotten harder to turn at no/slow speed but seems to be OK above 30-40 mph. Wheel doesn't return to center at speeds under 30 mph. All fluids, hoses, and pump appear OK. Bled system per ser. man. Then Sunday, the infamous 'air suspension squat' happened, car sat almost on the tires. Replaced RAS relay to get power to RAS pump. Pump didn't run. Disconnected pump from circuit, jumped it thru the connecter w/a test light in circuit and grounded pump thru connector to nearby known body ground. Light came on but not pump. Replaced pump ($170 pump & relay +O/N shipping). Suspension works fine, RAS message goes away. Lo and behold, power steering is back!!!...for 40 miles and we're back to same p/s problem. Service manual indicates that p/s is variable rate tied to vehicle speed but w/o sophisticated test equip., I'm at a loss as to what to look for.
Steering boots and CV boots are fine, no tears, leaks. Retired pilot, not a professional mechanic.
Any one had this happen? Suggestions?

 

[docraymund]

You could download the Forscan app to your windows laptop and connect it via an OBD2 bluetooth scanner. It is very specific to Ford vehicles. And try lubricating the steering rod u joint.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

You can download FORScan for free at FORScan version 2.3.9 beta for Windows - free. You can apply for the extended version license if you want to make changes to the code in your vehicle - right now, that is also free. You can also download an iPhone or Android version if you just want to use it on your phone.

Here is a link to the documentation: http://forscan.org/documentation_13.html

If you do download the FORScan software, get the OBDLink MX Bluetooth to connect it to your laptop It is the best one to use. It is a little pricey but well worth it.
Here is the link to buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ScanTool-426...00739107&sr=8-1&keywords=OBDLink+MX+Bluetooth This also works with Android phones if you just want to view it on your phone. You need a different adapter for iPhone but I'm not sure which one.