So our 2006 f150 fx4 has been having an issue with stiff steering... at times like it doesn't have power steering at all.

We recently had the lower ball joints on both sides replaced. Before that the upper control arm on the drivers side was also replaced.

There are days that it is better... other times not so much.

Anyone else have this issue and what did you do to fix it?

 

Try spraying the U-joints on the intermediate shaft in the steering column with a penetrating lubricant. It may take a few applications.

 

Can also be dirty / wet steering oil. Look in the steering oil tank.. Is the oil dirty / brown / humidty showing ?? Sometimes sucking the oil out and refilling ( maybe 8-10 oz) and running the truck will mix with the oil ... after a couple days, do it again.. after 4-5 changes, the oil starts to look better and sometimes the "CRUD" has been washed out and steering improves............ You can use a couple quarts of auto trans fluid in place of "steering" fluid.

 

I have done it before so I did it again last night with some pb blaster... Seemed to help a little.

I did it again tonight so I will see how it is in the AM.

 

If you do a drain/fill on the PS fluid, use Valvoline Max Life DexMerc. Works great in Ford PS and also treats the seals. You might want to find something that has at least some lubricant in it instead of PB Blaster. I think the waxy residue from Boeshield T9 would be just the thing.

 

My '07 had very similar symptoms last year.

It was the intermediate steering shaft u-joints that were locking up.

Replacing it was an easy fix and not that expensive.

 

my thoughts....