My only complaint about my F350 is the power steering. I have 35's (BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO's) on there. I have replaced my power steering pump thinking it was bad... turned out it was. But I am still having the same issue. While backing up a trailer, foot on brake, cant turn the wheel. Even with my foot off the brake I cant turn the wheel. I feel like there is no power steering at all. I have to be moving to get it to turn. I understand this is just a Ford design with the vacuums and so forth. But it is really hard when backing into the tight spaces and you need to turn your wheels while stopped. Any suggestion? 2002 F350 7.3 4x4 Crew Cab. Thanks.

 

Is there a better power sterring pump or is hydrolic assist my only option?

 

Its not just Ford's design, most diesels and some gas engines use the hydroboost system.
There are ram assist kits available, but they are expensive.

You dont need a ram assist. You just need to find the problem. There is no reason you shouldnt be able to turn the wheels at a stop.

 

Where should I start looking for the problem?

 

Not really sure. Maybe someone else will know.

 

Mine used to do that then it went away did have to add a little atf to it and it still did it for a bit then went away was gona flush the system but since you replaced the pump that's obviously not the problem. Maybe there is air in the system could always try flushing it I guess see what happens.

 

I was also thinking air in the system. Did you flush after you put the pump on? I guess I just assumed that if you replaced the pump you knew not to let air in. Also, you filled with ATF right? Guess I shouldnt make assumptions.

 

Just a shot in the dark but could a colapsed or dirty plugged up return line or feed line be the culprit. Also on the top of the gear pump you have a allen wrench screw nut that can be turned counter clockwise to ease the pressures somehow.

 

I replaced my pump and my pulsing problem went away, but I still feel my steering should be a little easier. I know a lot of members installed Redheads recently and I've read many kind words about the change.

Red-Head Steering Gears

 

I didn't put atf in. Ill try that first then check for plugged lines. So are redhead geared. Different?

 

There was no air in the system I'll double check though.

 

If you didnt put ATF in, and there is no air in the system, then what fluid did you use?

 

Power steering fluid

 

No no no, you need to flush out that power steering fluid out and put in ATF. The same fluid as whats in your tranny. Mercon V is what you need to put in. Our trucks dont use power steering fluid. Thats why your having problems with your pump.

 

Thanks. I'll get it flushed out and let you all know.