Steering problems

[Guest]

Well I am desperate for a solution at this point.
The dealer changed out the EVO unit (twice). They changed out the power steering pump. They checked the linkage and ran all sorts of tests on the steering components. They claim that there is nothing wrong with the gear box.
The problem persists.
Here is what the vehicle is doing.
The steering functions normally at speeds up to 30MPH.
The steering works normally at speeds above 60MPH.
In between 30MPH and 60MPH the steering is extremely stiff. It fights me around streets with sweeping bends and the muscles in my upper back are killing me after a 15 minute drive around the small city streets.
When the car follows a shallow bend in the road the steering fights me. I f I let go of the steering it pops back to the center position and I find myself constantly having to stay on top of the steering at all times.
The vehicle also fights me when I try turning into the turning lane as I slow down.
The dealer says that this is normal.

Is there another component that the dealer has overlooked?
I am wondering if this has something to do with the actuator that controls the flow of power steering fluid to the gear box. Is this actuator part of the pump or is it a seperate part?

 

[rwinch]

This may be a remote possibility, but....

my brother had a car once that acted the same way. Turned out he had a missing lug nut on one front wheel (4 lug rim). He is not mechanically inclined, but when I swapped one on the back to the front, the problem was solved...we then when to the parts store a picked up another lug!!

Anyway, check that all lugs are torqued properly on the front wheels.

You may want to send Kidtriton an IM about this...

 

[Guest]

I checked the lug nuts and they seem to be fine.

I looked at the "new" power steering pump that they supposedly replaced and I found that only three of the four screws that secure the pump to the chassis of the vehicle had been installed.
The fourth hole had stripped paint on the edge of it as if there had been a screw there at some point in time.
I brought it back to the dealer today.
They looked at it and the mechanic told me that it was a re-built part. I asked them why is it that they charged me for a new part and the mechanix told me that Ford does not make new power steering pumps anymore.
The mechanic even went so far as to tell me that Ford does not make new power steering pumps for their new vehicles!?!?!?!?!
I am seriously thinking about calling a lwayer at this point.
No one is able to tell me why the vehicle is so difficult to drive at speeds of 30 to 50MPH around curvy roads. It;s as if the power steering cuts off at 30MPH and it takes excessive force keep the vehicle in a turn.
I'm at my wits end with Ford mechanics and their incompetence.

 

[Guest]

The mechanic is right in a way. Ford remanufactures their components to original specifications. All auto makers do this from what I am told. Don't look at it as if it's the same quality as a pump you would buy on the aftermarket. Aftermarket rebuilders are not forced to remaunfacture to original specifications. Your pump will be fine I assure you. In my opinion it soulds more like a stearing gear to me, rather than a stearing pump. Does the vehicle ever cut off when you turn the wheel while sitting still? If so, it could be a idle compensation switch that screws in the high pressure line that has gone bad.

 

[Guest]

Well I took my vehicle to another Ford dealership.
Apparently all it was was a bad hose.
Thanks for all of your responses to this thread.

 

[spring3314]

I have a 2000 EB 5.4L - whne the truck is parked, with the engine off - you can wiggle the steering wheel and hear a "rattling" sound - metal against metal, like something is loose. Truck steers fine while driving. Any info or suggestion where to start are appreciated.