I recently bought a 07 5.4 Lt F150. Dealer said power steering pump was bad. They changed it and no difference in steering. So after they changed the rack, tie rods, and mid shaft. Still no different. They said its just how it is. But it's not right it feels like its only about 50 percent of power steering. And I just noticed that the resivore looks like it pulsing or bubbling. Not sure what to do since it seems I'm on my own to fix it now. Any help would've greatly appreciated.

 

Maybe a hose is restricted somehow? Sounds like the return line is full of air. Get the front end off the ground and do the de-airing routine of gently going lock-to-lock with the steering wheel over and over. I kind of doubt it will change anything, but it does seem like you are getting about 50% power assist, which is telling me either there is a bad pressure leak or a restriction of some kind, either on the pressure or return side. A leak would be obvious so it must be a restriction or an air lock. Hoses can go bad on the inside sometimes but that's really not very likely with auto trans fluid.

 

U have a junk pump but test your ball joints first before. Power steering can't do much if they are freezing and ready to break. When you don't have zerks you can't grease them than they will eventually freeze up with some cracking and popping sounds many times. Jack it up some to take some of the weight off and turn the wheels with out motor running have some one listen and shake the wheels for loose conditions.

 

did anyone check to see if there are any pinched lines on or near the cooler? could have hit some debris and pinched the metal cooling line near closed...not sure if that might help.

 

How about the steering shaft joints? There have been posts about them getting very stiff and needing some lube. I didn't post that before because with the pump vibrating and air bubbles in the reservoir, I just figured it was air or a restriction.

 

1saxman, he posted that the rack was replaced as well as the tie rod ends. if they did replace this...they should have seen an issue mebbe with the joints?

of course...a can of brake cleaner can make a rack look brand new I think.

 

Any news !