Hi, I have a 1991 f350, diesel. I am just on my first month or so of having it and I knew my steering seemed a bit loose but wrote it off as just being an old truck. All of the front end components are tight. The other day as I was at a stop sign I had my wheels turned to the left and realized The steering wheel was pulsing back and forth (left and right) about a half inch or so as if a pump was pushing it. I also noticed it started happening as I drive straight down the road and sometimes it will pull hard to one side. Also, going over bumps the steering wheel goes crazy. Is this a failing power steering pump? Also, Not sure if it is related but I noticed a trail of some fluid spattered in the street from where I backed up in the morning twice. It isnt oil and when my truck is just parked there are no other spots, any ideas?

 

First off check your power steering fluid level. It might be going bad or a seal might be bad. It's not a huge deal really but it might cost you a little money if you can't do it yourself. I never have but I might try. It's probably low on fluid for sure. Put some in first step then crawl under the truck and see exactly where it's leaking from. Does it make a whining noise when you turn?

 

At least low fluid if it isn't a bad pump, And if it's only leaving a trail when running it's likely a bad pressure line. Also you say all the steering components are tight but it still wanders? Check your trac-bar bushings, most trucks have never had them done. Also if it's got an aftermarket steering stabilizer like many folks put on a as a bandaid, check that it moves freely. I dented the snot out of the stabilizer on my truck and once it puked all the oil out it would make the steering do all sorts of crazy noises/shudders/pulls.