99 Ranger XL 2.5L 4Cyl 5 speed manual 2WD 68,000 miles.

When making right turns the steering wheel will start to shake. It feels like the power assist is having a problem and has only happened while making right turns (I guess I should take up racing).
I did the following test......I drove down my block and made a right turn without using the brakes and the transmission was in neutral. Into the turn the steering wheel doesn't turn smoothly - it has a shaking to it while its being turned. Reving the engine didn't make a difference. I then did another test but this time with the engine off (I wanted to rule out tires). Turning the steering wheel was a little tougher of course but there were no shakes.
About a week ago I replaced the power steering fluid because it looked black and the pump sounded loud (I hear its normal for these). When I replaced the fluid I removed the return line to the power steering pump and let the fluid drain. I then ran the return hose to a catch pan and plugged the return port on the pump. I filled the pump with fresh fluid and started the engine. I kept filling fresh fluid into the pump and watched the black fluid go into the pan. When fresh fluid started coming out I stopped the engine, reconnected the hose to the pump, and topped off the pump. It was after this when my trouble started. The fluid I used was Pennzoil ATF Dextron3/Mercon. The owners manual calls for Mercon to be used in the power steering system. What did I screw up? Or is this normal for this truck when the temp outside is around 10 degrees? Possible belt slipping??

 

I'd double check that owners manual and talk to the service department @ Ford. Some people use a little ATF to top off PS but really, ATF is for trannies, PS fluid is for the PS. I've heard of people having problems when using large quantities of ATF in place of PS fluid. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

Before I started I called my local Ford dealer and they said all they ever use is ATF. They also said the only difference is the color.

If that's the case why make power steering fluid.

P.S. I just replaced the fluid in my 5 speed manual transmission - you guessed right - ATF. I didn't think it would work well in the windshield washer tank though.

 

Maybe you got air in the line by flushing the fluid that way. I dont know if that condition would cause the symptoms you describe however. If you have a Haynes (or equivalent) handy, check and see what you need to do to purge air from there.

When I change fluid from there, i play it safe and just suck whatever fluid is just in the reservior and then fill it up with fresh stuff. I do this every oil change. Eventually I figure itll get clean.

 

The Haynes manual says to remove air from the lines turn the steering wheel left & right a few times . I did that just after I was done with the procedure and a few times while driving it. Strange thing is I still find myself trying to get air out of it everyday.

 

i wonder why it only happens when you turn it to the right?