I have a 2003 f250 with the 7.3 power stroke in it. It is factory height on a set of 285/75 16 tires. It already has a reman steering pump and I replaced the steering gearbox today due to the truck having a little slop in the wheel. Since I bought the truck it is dang near impossible to park in a parking lot and almost impossible at a stop sign or being stopped to get it to turn whether I'm on the brakes or not it doesn't seem to make a difference. What else could be affecting the steering on the truck? All the steering components are good. I'm about by to the point of just selling the truck because it's that hard to steer. Especially trying to back a trailer is hard too. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

Seams to be a common problem and worse with the diesel , My 03 wont turn if I am on the brakes when stopped.

 

if its a 4wd check the front axle ujoints. if they are frozen it could cause hard turning

 

This is common and has happened on all of the diesel trucks I've owned. It might be because the low RPM of the engine makes it more difficult for the pump to turn at idle. Although I could be 100% wrong...

EDIT: Generally if you get the tires rolling a bit, it makes it a hell of a lot easier to steer. At least for me

 

Also could be a slipping belt over the pulley on the power steering pump

 

My gas '04 did this. My mechanic buddy who worked at Ford for many many years seemed to think it was common and that it was the pump. He also said he could replace the pump and it would fix it, but that the new pump would have the same problem. Maybe in a week, maybe in 10 years.

I elected to leave it alone. Only very rarely did it cause a problem.

-J

 

I have this issue and was recently told by my mechanic that there is a screen in the power steering fluid reservoir that gets clogged and reduces flow(at least for my 08). I plan to have it checked at my next oil change.

 

Is this a 6.4L? I'll have to check this also...

 

Yes. I'm about a month out on an oil change but will report back on whether this was an issue or not.

 

I just did an oil change yesterday and am due for glow plug replacement and finding a power steering leak today, so I will report back as well. Did he say how to get to it?