i just recently purchased a 4x4 crew cab long bed and when i am trying to park with brake on and steering input the steering gets really hard , I already replaced the pump and changes out all the fluid with new fluid. I dont have any noise or leaks any suggestions? My old truck a ext cab 4x2 long box never had this issue.

 

I had the same problem when I first got my truck. I had to learn to ease off on the brake to allow the wheels to turn. The tires seems to drag too much when not moving. Also, having the right amount of air in them helps.

 

Don't know why you guys have that problem, I don't and don't know what to tell ya but I'm interested to see if this thread goes anywhere.

 

Mine's the same way. The crew cabs have a lot of weight on the front axle. If I have to park in a tight spot, I'll brake with my left foot and rev the engine a little with my right to make the steering easier.

 

There has to be a way to fix this.

 

Higher ratio gearbox? Like the old non p/s vehicles had.

 

Or maybe a better power steering pump?

 

I don't know if it's technique or finally keeping the right amount of air in the tires. But, over the years I rarely have the hard steering problem anymore. I have made no changes to the steering, except new greasable ball joints.

 

I have to ease off on the brakes as well.

 

Do you have stock size tires? The power steering system on these trucks is marginal with the brakes on (which is boosted by the power steering pump). If you have larger tires (either height, width, or both) then the system is going to have trouble turning with the brakes on. A high capacity pump would help, but most would just prefer to learn to live with it.

 

Is it only when you're sawing the steering hard? Maybe the PS pump just can't keep up at idle.

I noticed this when driving the 2 4x4 models I test drove, but I don't recall feeling it on my 2wd except maybe once.

 

maybe a larger pully on the PS would help.
I've heard of some people using the chevy PS pumps

 

It has to do with how much the tire is trying to roll while turning. A change in caster can help with this a little, but easing off of the brake will gain the greatest results.

 

Same deal here, I'm so used to it I don't even notice that I am on and off the brakes when parking

 

I just don't understand why everyone else has to get on and off the brake and I don't. I have good sized tires, 285 75 15 and I have no problem turning on or off the brakes.