"slow steering"

86F150302 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-27-2008, 04:19 AM

MY truck doesn't turn very fast, If I turn one way then back the other quickly the steering wheel gets hard to turn and it wont turn fast. (kinda hard to explain)

Any cure for this? It sucks when trying to turn into parking spaces and backing up to stuff.

81-F-150-Explorer · #2 (**permalink**) 04-27-2008, 04:50 AM

Could be the power steering pump being shot, or the steering gearbox is worn out or improperly adjusted.

86F150302 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-27-2008, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 81-F-150-Explorer

Could be the power steering pump being shot, or the steering gearbox is worn out or improperly adjusted.

How can I adjust it?

Franklin2 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-27-2008, 10:18 PM

The first thing I would do is check/tighten the pump belt. If you have wide tires on the front, you will have to live with some of this too.

86F150302 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-27-2008, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franklin2

The first thing I would do is check/tighten the pump belt. If you have wide tires on the front, you will have to live with some of this too.

ok ill check the belt tomorrow. I have 235/75/15s

Holmesuser01 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-28-2008, 07:25 PM

How fast does your truck idle? If it is idling slowly, you will have low pressure from the pump.

Have you checked the PS fluid lately?

I replaced my power steering pump about 2 years ago. It was whining all the time since the previous owner let a leaking hose drip instead of fixing it. The new pump really made a difference in the assist on the gear. Much nicer.

Good Luck!!

86F150302 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-28-2008, 09:22 PM

Idles at about 700 rpms

I check the fluids every 3 days before I drive it. Always has plenty of fluid.

81-F-150-Explorer · #8 (**permalink**) 04-29-2008, 11:25 PM

It's a complicated proceedure in the book, to adjust the steering gear. I would write a book if I reprinted it here...

however, the adjustment screw is right on top of the gear box, it has a standard screwdriver slot, with a lock nut on it.

Also, check your kingpins, or balljoints, and tierod ends and steering linkages for binds, looseness, lack of grease, or damage.

Hope this helps.

86F150302 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-30-2008, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 81-F-150-Explorer

It's a complicated proceedure in the book, to adjust the steering gear. I would write a book if I reprinted it here...

however, the adjustment screw is right on top of the gear box, it has a standard screwdriver slot, with a lock nut on it.

Also, check your kingpins, or balljoints, and tierod ends and steering linkages for binds, looseness, lack of grease, or damage.

Hope this helps.

ok thanks

I just got 4 new ball joints for my dream beams so maybe it will help.