have a 79 f350 4wd, that i have'nt been driving much lately. and recently when i went to drive it the power steering wasn't working, while turning it seemed to kick in then be hard back and forth through out the turn?? worked fine before . could something have locked up in the system while sitting ? like i said it has'nt been on the road much for a couple months??? any ideas thanks also if there is not a quick fix . what am i looking at to put in a saginaw and where can i buy one?? thanks again . another thought , my power brake booster is leaking and needs to be replaced couyld this vaccum leak be affecting my steering issue??

 

Check your power steering fluid level.

 

The Saginaw part number is 20-6244. it is a direct replacement with no modifications needed for 78-79. Most parts stores carry it in stock. You will need to swap your pulley. Only use a power steering puller to change the pulley or you will damage it.

 

Maybe a froze up axle U joint. Turn the wheels all the way in either direction, reach in to the U joint and see if it turns free.

 

checked fluid -fine, checked axle ujoints - how freely, i can turn them by hand but not spin em? although when i checked the passenger side it did seem a bit harder to move in one spot ? but i was able to move them . even so whether driving or in park it is hard to turn . seems easier at higher speeds ? thanks still trying to figure it out ... just seems odd that the pump would go just sitting?

 

Update??? I thought of something else you might try. A few years ago I had a stiffness in my steering that I tracked down to the universal joints in my steering column. Hosed them down with a good penetrating oil and that fixed my issue. The bearings had rusted and would bind at certain points.

Just a thought....