Hello, noticed during the winter my power steering was stiff but as the vehicle warmed seemed to settle down. Now that spring is here, I'm noticing it still stiff after warm up, mostly on the highway. In town or turning when stopped seems ok. There's a 10 amp fuse I checked under the hood, it's good. I know these power steering systems use an electric system as opposed to a hydraulic pump. My local garage estimated the whole job at around $2000.00 out the door.
My question is could it be something other than changing out the whole unit?
TIA

 

Well I noticed that the stiffness started when it began to get warmer outside. Yesterday it was 30c and today it's 7c, and my power steering is back to normal. So it seems like it's temperature related. Could it be a relay that's starting to go bad? Doesn't seem like anyone else on this board has had problems with their EPS in their Explorers?
Tks.

 

Well if anyone is interested, brought to a reputable garage and the mechanic told me the steering shaft is seized. Wasn't much of a talker but searching on you tube it seems like the universal joints can become problematic. I really don't do much mileage per year, maybe 6000 miles. Pretty sure that doesn't help. On another note, still wondering why nobody responded to my initial post. Is that normal? Should I use another Ford forum next time? Do I need to pay a fee here? tks.

 

In case anyone finds this, the universal joint at the end of the shaft gets stiff and makes it hard to steer in spots. Jack it up or have your mechanic lift it. Get the wheels off the ground. It's behind the wheel well on the drivers side front tire. I hit mine with PB Blaster and let it soak for 10 mins then turned the steering wheel with the car on but while still lifted both ways. It was smooth like butter. I let it soak some more. I then hit it with brake cleaner to remove all the residue and then waited for it to dry. After that I hit it with some white lithium grease. It's steering just fine now. Took me about 15 mins to do. Took more time jacking the car up and lowering it.