Took a trip with the family up to NY/NJ from VA for the winter break. The weather was brrrrrrrr on all the days that we were up there. The EX drove well up and down I-95 and sat for 3 nights in the freeze. I noticed this problem just yesterday on the trip back. When I went to take it out of the parking spot, the steering felt like there was absolutely no power steering. I had to muscle the steering very hard to be able to make it turn. This was happening only when the truck was barely moving in and out of the parked spot in Drive and Reverse. Once I got it out of there and brought the EX up to speed, then the steering felt completely normal for the entire trip. 3 point turns became more of 7 - 9 point turns. I usually pride myself for being able to handle the big truck with ease, but this felt stupid to me

Another issue that I noticed was that the front driver side tires rub on the leaf on a full lock left turn. I have 18" F250 alloy wheels, 275/70/18 Continental Contitrac tires and Fred's wheel spacers. I felt this rubbing for the first time since August when these were installed. From what I gather, this rubbing must have been an issue all along, but just came up to my attention for the first time.

TIA for all the troubleshooting help.

 

Just like engine oil, power steering oil gets thick when cold. That makes your steering have more effort. Factor in the last time it was changed or flushed..... fresher would be better.

That is where I would start first in any case. After that it could be the pump or box.

 

That was my first thought too. Power Steering fluid was changed ~2000 miles back as part of the 200K maintenance. But, the fact that the power steering was functioning normally immediately thereafter when the truck was in motion, makes me think it might be something else and/or mechanical. I have this tight steering only when the vehicle is starting to move, and below 5mph.

I did a visual inspection of the suspension. There is a lot of gunk on the suspension components. It is too cold outside to get that stuff washed off and check. Not sure if the car washes are operating today.

 

Less rolling resistance once you're moving, combined with the cooler temps, leads me to believe the levels might be a little low and cold. Once warm, it expands and flows easier.

 

What fluid did you use in your power steering?

 

Mercon V Motorcraft ATF

 

You can buy power steering fluid itself. Viscosity is thinner than atf

 

Synthetic?

How long are you warming up before driving away?

Do you rev with the pedal at all before turning the wheels?

 

This is what I bought from Amazon for the transmission and power steering flush a couple of months ago. No, it is not synthetic. The truck usually warms up for at lest 15-20 minutes before driving every time. Usually don't rev more than needed to get it moving.

It has been very cold (below freezing mostly) the last few days here, and I haven't had the chance to go outside and check fluid levels as the EX is parked outside all the time. If not today/tomorrow, I'll take it to the local shop to have the fluids flushed and replaced again. Will also have them check for any leaks while they are at it.

 

All my tires were running low. Aired them up and now the EX runs as intended. Thanks to tjc for the reminder to look for basic stuff first reps sent!

 

My similar issue was solved with a high quality teplacement ps pump and new hoses.

Did the tire rubbing happen after your gorilla muscle turns with limited ps assistance? Or also before?

 

Tires rub very lightly every time at full lock left turn. But then, I need to work on my suspension parts too. Springs, Shocks, ball joints, etc. are all getting old and tired Will check again after I get to replace them, hopefully soon.

 

Reopening the helpdesk ticket, but with a different question

After airing up the tires, I am now hearing a fairly loud (over the engine noise, inside the cab, and over the music at times) roar on deceleration. It is usually louder when slowing down to a halt. This was happening intermittently for the past couple of days. Was fairly loud today on my drive back from PA to VA. What should I look for?

 

Hub bearings...

 

Not what I wanted to hear right now Any suggestions on replacement parts, if this is the culprit?