so i have a 1979 f250 custom, and last night when i was starting to park my steering wheel was hard to turn like a hard spot in it (i.e. it was hard to turn like the wheel was stuck) so i drove it around today and the problem is still there, im wondering is my power steering going bad or does it need new fliud, its not squeaking but its hard to turn on both sides, if i need new fliud any idea what im supposed to put in it, and if i need a new ps pump what part should i get, any info would be much appreciated

sincerly Andrew Hudson

 

First, check and make sure the belt is good and its tight. These trucks use transmission fluid for the power steering.

 

ok so im not going to lie, i grew up in a family of mechanics but im a geek and spend all my time learning about computers, which belt am i after (if you give me the name i can probably look it up in the owners manual) and i have the tools to tighten if need be, and they use transmission fluid, humm interesting

 

Check the illustration. In the upper left is the power steering pump, the circled ABC kinda point to the belt.

 

Here's a kinda crappy picture. The power steering pump is inside the yellow square.
Something else to check, make sure its full of fluid too.

 

the belt is loose, so is that causing my steering problems, and thanks for all the help so far

 

Well, it could be causing it, if it's allowing things to slip when you put some strain on the pump. Tighten it properly and find out.

While youre there, check the fluid level inside the pump. There'll be a little dipstick on the cap of it.