Hi folks, the steering on my 2000 F250 PSD 4x4 seems stiff. Sometimes I can't fully turn the wheels at a stand still; I have to be moving (drive or reverse)in order to turn the steering wheel more. Also, when I have the brake pedal fully depressed, it's even harder, in fact I can barely move the steering wheel. I also plow so the symptoms are worse when I have the plow on.

I checked the power steering fluid and it is topped up.

The symptoms are the same whether in 2 or 4 wheel drive.

Thanks for your help.

Raf

 

How long has it done this? Had you done any changes when it started? Mine kind of does the same thing but that's because of the meats that I have on. Does the pump put out a really bad wine when you turn it? Give us some more info..

 

It's been doing it for about 2 months. Everything on the vehicle is original except for new standard size tires I put on about a month ago.

The power steering pump makes no unusual sounds.

Raf

 

Have you checked the ball joints? Jack up the front and give it a good shake. Have someone look at the knuckles.

Other than that, your pump may be getting weak.

 

Yep I would say maybe a weak pump. But my first thought is maybe the new tire's grab better than you use to.. It's hard to say not being able to feel it.

 

jaygos, basically the steering wheel will not turn anymore unless I let off the brakes. That's the best way I can decribe it. I doubt its the tires because it would do this before I got them.

The ball were "creaking" during cold weather about 3 months ago but have since stopped making sounds. They were replaced about a year and a half ago.

Raf

 

I see. Nope not the tires then. I would check the ball joints. Just because they are not creaking any more does not mean there is no longer a problem. Most of the time when ball joints creak it means they don't have the lube they need to move right.. Also that pump may still be part of the problem.

 

I guess I'll check the ball joints then. The thing is, the new ones have less than 20000 miles on them and are about 1.5 years old.

Raf

 

Sounds like PS is shot.

 

Check the ball joints and see if they are the type with grease fittings. They might just need lubrication.

 

Raf20,
Does your truck wander down the road at all, the steering wheel feel sloppy left to right? The reason I'm asking is I noticed back in december that I couldnt get my tires to steer on gravel, cant remember if I had the brakes on or not. I told my friend that works at a auto service supply store that I had noticed it once before and we checked it out but couldnt get it to happen again. It steered just fine just whined alot. I have made a few post on the "loose steering problem" forum trying to figure out the loose steering feel on my truck. I'm just trying to put the puzzle together, hoping maybe that the low pressure in the pump is maybe a sign or reason that the front steering feels sloppy. Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Kyle

 

slc, the ball joints are sealed units.

kagrove, ever since I got new tires installed (about a month ago) I noticed what you describe as loose steering. It's hard to get centre and I have to turn the steering wheel a lot more to get the same amount of "turn". I just attributed this to the new tires. After about 2K miles it hasn't changed. I don't know if this could be attributed to the stiff steering I'm experiencing.

Raf

 

Well, I had my truck checked out at the dealer. It turns out that the ball joints were loose and worn and were giving extra resistance to the steering pump (I'm paraphrasing here). So I have to replace upper and lower ball joints and the steering pump.

What I would like to know is if this normal? I mean, I replaced the ball joints in Nov. 2002 with 36500 miles on them. Now, with 53000 miles they're shot again. I know that plowing (this is my third year plowing) creates excess wear but do these repair intervals sound reasonable?

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Raf

 

No, it's not normal. Did you happen to see them do the last installation? I wouldn't take it back to those guys. How hard are you pushing the plow (I live in Northeast Texas, so I have no idea about snowplowing), but even if it is heavy, that shouldn't occur this quick.
I think there are aftermarket joints with grease fittings, but I have no idea on how well they work.
Good luck with this go 'round.

 

The first time, the ball joints were done at a dealer (warranty). This time I chose another dealer because the first one wouldn't do anything about it. They wouldn't even give me a price break.

Raf