Here is one for you. I bought a 96 F150 4WD 186,000 miles, a year ago. Steering was rough. It would not center when coming out of any turn and kept working back and fourth as you drove. Kind of like somebody jerking on the wheel as you tried to keep it straight. I figured it was a front end issue as the front right spring was broken when i got it. The dealership put on new balljoints both sides and replaced both springs and shocks plus brake rotor and shoes and tires along with an alignment. I just wanted to start out fresh (was a good deal on the truck price). Anyway it continued to do that. I took it back and the dealership said they made some front end adjustments. Worked ok for a few days and then it worked back in doing the same thing. I dealt with that for a long time. I was the only one driving it so I got used to it. I had an idler pully give out and caused the serpentine belt to flop off and of course no power steering etc etc. I drove it home with no power steering as it was only about 2 miles from home. I got home and noticed power steering fluid had blew back from the power steering pump cap and blew all over the firewall. Great. anyhow I replaced the idler pully and belt. Now my steering is absolutly perfect. Drives straight as an arrow and smoothly corrects as I come out of a turn. JUst thought I would pass this on. Sorry for the Novel folks

Frank

 

It5 is normal for the fluid to push out of the pump when it is not turning. Sounds like your fluid was bad and needed to be changed. Often overlooked on most vehicles.

 

I would agree.

 

I actually did flush it out and then used Lucas power steering additive to it. I was talking to a friend of mine tonight and he thouth that the idler spring was weak the whole time and that it caused the serpentine belt to lose it's grip on the steering pump pulley. I am still not sure myself as to the actual cause.

 

If the idler was loose or not working correctly that could have cause the belt to come off. did you replace it? Lucas is good stuff.

 

Hello Chris. I did replace the belt. Haven't had a problem since. I like the lucas products. I own a semi and use it in there also. great stuff for sure.