My 96 F150 4wd 5.0 will not turn the front wheels left or right unless I rev up the engine some. With the engine at normal idle it just won't turn. My 95 F250 4wd 5.0 turns easily at idle. They have approximately the same size tires if that matters. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

It's either your power steering pump is shot and won't build pressure at low rpms or your gear box is shot I'd put my money on your power steering pump tho

 

Jack up the front to rule out any binding of linkage but I am guessing that the pump isn't putting out enough pressure or the pressure relief valve is stuck open.

 

Okay, I assume the pressure relief valve is in the pump, so I will replace the pump and see what happens. Many thanks guys.

 

Have you checked the belt? sounds like it loose allowing to slip at low rpms.

Check the belt tensioner make sure its not froze up is working correctly and the belt is good.

 

The pressure regulator valve unscrews from side of the pump... if you think that's the problem then go snag one from the junkyard and try it out before you buy an entire pump.

See that hex head on the side of the pump where the hydraulic line goes into it? Well if you remove the line and put a wrench on that hex then the valve (and spring) comes out without having to do anything else. The spring is pretty weak so don't worry bout how you're gonna put it back together or anything, you can do it by hand.

 

Okay, many thanks for the good info. I plan to keep this truck for a long time. Probably a race to see which one of us dies first.

There is no binding of the mechanism and the belt is not slipping, so I will just replace the pump.

Anybody know if reman pumps from local parts houses are okay, or should I go with a new?

 

Local reman from parts store should be fine. If you dont mind waiting a few days rockauto.com will save you some $