Steering Getting VERY Difficult
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,793
Likes: 50
..
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,355
Likes: 5,947
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
I happened to be outside cleaning the yard and debris from Florence when Byron asked me about my steering work experiences.
I told him the following (paraphrasing)...
1. I would get a gallon of Valvoline synthetic ATF from Autozone for ~$7.
2. Raise the front end of the truck and flush the fluid system until he saw fresh fluid and see if things got easier.
3. He could disconnect the trackbar from the pitman arm and eliminate any binding the in the linkage to identify if the problem is in the steering gear or maybe the pump.
4. I asked about the adjustment screw and if it had ever been tightened.
5. I asked if the steering gear was original to the truck.
Maybe a couple of other things too, but don't remember now...
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,807
Likes: 125
From: Colorado Springs
Byron, before flushing the system check for cavitation as I mentioned in my first post. Flushing isn't going to fix a bad pump and it's free and takes 10 minutes.
West Texas Off Road does a great job, whether it's rebuilding your gear box or porting it for Hydro assist. They ported my PSC gearbox and did an outstanding job!
West Texas Off Road does a great job, whether it's rebuilding your gear box or porting it for Hydro assist. They ported my PSC gearbox and did an outstanding job!
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,910
Likes: 2
From: Hat Creek Ca
Just one other thought. Have you checked the condition of the ball joints? One of the older truck at work had some pretty bad ball joints and it was difficult to keep it even close to staying on the road. Very tight to drive and the steering would not return to normal position after making even a slight turn.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Can they (WTO) rebuild or increase the volume of the PS pump?
Byron, before flushing the system check for cavitation as I mentioned in my first post. Flushing isn't going to fix a bad pump and it's free and takes 10 minutes.
West Texas Off Road does a great job, whether it's rebuilding your gear box or porting it for Hydro assist. They ported my PSC gearbox and did an outstanding job!
West Texas Off Road does a great job, whether it's rebuilding your gear box or porting it for Hydro assist. They ported my PSC gearbox and did an outstanding job!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 868
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
I wonder if the hydroboost can be ported for more flow?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 868
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Akcooper talked to West Texas off-road about that and they didn’t recommend it, but I can’t remember why. IMO, the only time it would be needed is if you were terrible at backing trailers up and are constantly steering lock to lock, otherwise, most would never notice it.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
I just need more flow at idle.
Akcooper talked to West Texas off-road about that and they didn’t recommend it, but I can’t remember why. IMO, the only time it would be needed is if you were terrible at backing trailers up and are constantly steering lock to lock, otherwise, most would never notice it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Matt at WTO does good work but i seriously doubt anybody in the aftermarket understands the hydroboost as well as Alan at Vanco. I would give them a call if you ate serious about performance
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 91
From: DFW, Texas
West Texas Offroad suggested I try the ram and modified power steering pump before messing with the hydro boost.
I personally can not tell a difference in turning the wheel lock to lock with 35s from a speed stand point. You all must be in a rush
I personally can not tell a difference in turning the wheel lock to lock with 35s from a speed stand point. You all must be in a rush
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 91
From: DFW, Texas
Akcooper talked to West Texas off-road about that and they didn’t recommend it, but I can’t remember why. IMO, the only time it would be needed is if you were terrible at backing trailers up and are constantly steering lock to lock, otherwise, most would never notice it.
I can see it now, Mr Tuner can you make me a trailer backing up higher then stock idle tune so I get more flow in the power steering system. Maybe a 750-800 idle tune?!?!
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,807
Likes: 125
From: Colorado Springs
You can modify the pump but you have to be careful not to drill it out too much. You can also put a smaller pulley on the pump will cause the pump to turn faster. You may also need a shorter belt. If you go to a hydro assist it’s unlikely you’ll need to modify the pump but you have the option.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Thank you. Do you know if their gearboxes are rebuilt to the same precision as Redhead? I've installed several RH's, but the last two leaked from the shaft seal.