Troubleshooting power steering
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 15
From: Central Ohio
Troubleshooting power steering
I just finished up an install of Carli Backcountry leveling kit. I try backing the truck out of the garage and the steering is as tight as can be. It feels harder to turn than if you tried to turn it with the engine off from before. I do have both Carli high and low mount steering stabilized still with the full 200psi charge. I'm a little unsure about the proper operating pressure so sent them a message, but I am doubting the stabs would make it this hard to turn. And while possible, I highly doubt I could have done something wrong in reinstalling all the steering components. But I'm unsure how to trouble shoot power steering, I've really never had any problems with steering before in any of my vehicles.
One thing that seems odd to me, usually I think you could feel the power steering a little through the wheel, like a bit of vibration? The wheel feels completely dead as if the truck was off. I'm guessing its got to do with the pump? How does one troubleshoot? The fluid did look a little bit below the minimum line, so I'll start there... need to run to the store to get some fluid this afternoon. Any other tips?
One thing that seems odd to me, usually I think you could feel the power steering a little through the wheel, like a bit of vibration? The wheel feels completely dead as if the truck was off. I'm guessing its got to do with the pump? How does one troubleshoot? The fluid did look a little bit below the minimum line, so I'll start there... need to run to the store to get some fluid this afternoon. Any other tips?
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 15
From: Central Ohio
Well its definitely one of the lines. I should've waited to post until I refilled the fluid, as soon as I refilled it and fired it up there was fluid spraying out near the frame. Not sure which line it is but they look like nothing but flakey rust so probably just replace both lines. Looks like its going to be a real pain to get too. I bet I bumped one of the rusty lines in the process of putting new spring buckets and all the suspension work on. Better then than on the road somewhere I suppose. Now just to figure out how to get after those lines.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 15
From: Central Ohio
Nah, my sig... 09 F350.
Sadly I removed the ol Bronco from the sig line and my fleet some years ago.
I ordered both hoses from Napa and should be in today (the ones that attach to the steering box).
Having difficulty getting to the nuts that hold them to the pump though. I even cut off the lines so I could use a socket, but there is not quite enough room to fit socket on there as it angles towards the abs motor thing. Tried my crows feet with extension but because they are angled I can't really get it on there square enough to work. My crows feet are 3/8 and I don't have a 3/8 joint so I might try to get one so I can angle the extension away but I'm dubious. Might have to try to remove the bolts from the abs module to move it out of the way but I'm not sure if there will be enough slack on that with all the brake lines attached...
Sadly I removed the ol Bronco from the sig line and my fleet some years ago.
I ordered both hoses from Napa and should be in today (the ones that attach to the steering box).
Having difficulty getting to the nuts that hold them to the pump though. I even cut off the lines so I could use a socket, but there is not quite enough room to fit socket on there as it angles towards the abs motor thing. Tried my crows feet with extension but because they are angled I can't really get it on there square enough to work. My crows feet are 3/8 and I don't have a 3/8 joint so I might try to get one so I can angle the extension away but I'm dubious. Might have to try to remove the bolts from the abs module to move it out of the way but I'm not sure if there will be enough slack on that with all the brake lines attached...
Last edited by 78bigbronco; Mar 11, 2026 at 03:50 PM.
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