I have an 2006 Super Cab that has 72,000 miles on it. Stock everything except for Magnaflow exhaust and Hankook Dyna Pro tires. Last month I noticed some weird "hang" ups with the steering when turning and it just seemed to be a bump or something while turning. I was gone on vacation last week and started the truck after a week of sitting and the steering acted like it was binding or hesitating. It almost felt like a tire was down, got out and check pressures, everything was good (high if anything and got it to the right pressures). After driving it got no better potentially worse. I start a turn and it is fine but at a certain degree it starts to bind and seems like the power steering is not there. It does not return to normal position easily either. I have checked the fluid and it is fine, the belt is normal (and original) with no tears, or rips in it. Not sure where to start, but have a couple thoughts of power steering pump going or front end has issues? Best description of the problem is that it is a binding feel and happens both left or right turns. Have to force it like the power steering is out.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.. would like to know where to start to look at research if I can.

Thanks,

 

A simple place to start is with the 2 universal joints on the steering column that sometime bind and cause resistance to turning like you describe. One is just above the rack and pinion and the other is closer to the firewall. These can sometime be freed up by soaking them with a penetrating oil and working them back and forth. It may take doing this for a few days. Otherwise they can be replaced if they are the problem.

 

I am also having this problem suddenly started one morning. Mine is 5.4L Lariat Supercrew 2WD with 110k on it. The only steering issue I have had before was some play in the wheel which I am told is the u joint or intermediate shaft. This feels more like the PS pump is gone.

 

I did resolve the problem temporarily. Not sure how long it will last but will get me some time before I have time to replace the secondary steering shaft. However, I did get some lubrication and sprayed the u joints down real good. Let it sit and did it again and took it out. Turns much better now and can usually tell when I need to hit them again but it getting a little "grindy". No steering issues after shooting the joints with lubricant.

 

I'm sure this is not my issue. It came up too suddenly and without any prior symptoms. Could it be the PS pump?

 

Mine did to. I noticed on day to have some hesitation, and then it went away and I checked tire pressures, and the belt. Then a couple weeks later come out fire the truck up and I had the "binding" issues.

Can't hurt any to squirt some lubricant on the joints.

 

OK, I'm going to admit I may have jumped the gun. I did spray the joints with WD40 and the problem is not as bad. But this happened literally overnight. The only thing I can say is it was very hot for the first time yesterday.

 

Same here. Swore it was the steering box or front end. It did happen over a two day period of non use.. But... yeah the lubricant worked well. I used something more than WD40, although that will work too. I used more of a thicker lubricant, and for the life of me cannot come up with the name of the stuff. Red can, common brand name.. and it has stumped me all day.. Hopefully it takes care of your situation for now.. it did me and I feel better knowing I do not need to do a box change or anything else immediately.