One of the trucks in my fleet is #402. It's a 00' F-350, AT, PSD, 4X4 with about 156,xxx on the clock. I've spent thousands upon thousands keeping this truck running like new, which is not an easy task. My latest problem, seems to be my power steering system. This has been going on since last fall. When at a stop, or slow speed the truck is VERY hard to steer. But at 5+ MPH its much better. Let me start out with a list of what it's had done to the front end to try and fix this problem:

2 new power steering pumps/brake booster (thinking one was faulty)
new tie rods
new ball joints
new 4x4 hubs
new wheel bearings
new axle shafts
new brakes all the way around (calipers, pads, rotors)
new hoses to and from the p/s pump
new control valve (i think thats what its called, maybe not)
Tested the flow/psi of the p/s system- flowing at specs
All of this done within the last 5,000 miles. Still no fix. Keep in mind this is a backup truck now and doesn't see more then 20 miles a week. Last fall when this work was being done, after no result, and my bill was paid the service writer Jon, shows me a Ford bulletin stating that there is a power steering problem with these trucks and he highlighted "there is no fix for this problem."

I find this hard to believe that this truck steers fine one day and the next it goes to hell. What parts are to be left other then the steering wheel?!?! It's bad when its just towing, but hang a 2,000lb plow and its next to impossible.

So heres my question for you guys- is there anything that the dealer could have over looked? Is there an after maket product I can buy to fix this problem? Maybe a new steering system like my new John Deere has, where there is actually a hydraulic cylinder on the front axle that moves the tires back and fourth? Only other option is to sell the truck, but I'd like to avoid that seeing as how my company has spent almost 30k in the last 3 years on repairs to that truck to keep it looking and running new.

Thanks for everything!
Dan

 

Some guys have had a bit of luck flushing the system and then using a synthetic fluid.

Austin

 

add a little STP (blue bottle honey looking stuff).

 

My friend had an 00' that would turn one way fine (stopped) but not the other. Dealer wouldn't fix it. Then some jackass stole it, probably took it back to Mexico after bringing in a load of meth for our kids. maybe this is why I think securing the boarder isn't such a bad idea. But I diverge....

There are ram kits available but usually only needed for big tires (38"+) or rock crawlers. maybe try contacting this company, I believe they also rebuild boxes and have a good reputation in the crawling world.

redneck ram hydraulic steering assist

 

It looks like the only thing that you have not replaced is the steering gear box itself. I had to replace mine after a wreck and my steering works beautifully. The reman box from NAPA was around $250.

 

Nope, forgot about that one. It's had two steering boxes as well. Thinking maybe one was faulty. This problem is becoming a real issue with snow around the corner.

DC-9

 

G,day
My 01 F250 has done this since new (exactly what you have said), I have posted before but no-one new of the prob then either!
Mine had a 'brand new', not reco, steering box fitted under warranty, and did not rectify the prob.
Ford Australia recognised the problem, and said it was a 'normal' fault.
I would LOVE to fix mine, and have a new pump to fit, and I will use synthetic fluid, but am yet to try it. (guess it wont help either)
If anyone has any ideas (other than oil changes etc) I would also be interested!

 

I know it does'nt help, but I fitted a reco pump and synthetic ATF yesterday.....the whole system feels much better and has solved my problem.
Hopefully someone might have more ideas for DC-9!!

 

No offense but you are running ATF in the pump right? If so try some syn. ATF others have had great results with this.

 

DC, does said truck have a steering stabilizer cartridge? If so remove, (just two bolts) and see if this helps. Sometimes the rod of the stabilizer can get bent ever so slightly, and cause a hang up. Is there any lift to this truck? Larger tires? Front airbags to hold up that plow?

 

A 2,000Lb plow? What plow are you using that weighs a ton?

My Boss V weighs in at 870 #s.

As for the steering, Try the syn fluid. Im going to be going to that as well here pretty soon. I heard it helps alot

 

Ya you should be able to fix this but after what you've be threw why not put the ram assist on it even though you really shoudn't need it, it should be the end of any steering issues.

 

Very good question. I just picked up my 7.3 with a new transmission and the PS / brake system was whining. Inspection of the pump found the cap on crooked with only 1 tab holding it. I checked the lever expecting it to be low and it was over full. I have not overfilled it. My guess was someone pulled the ps line then refilled with PS fluid vs. Mercon III. After flushing the problem was gone.

 

A few of us have problem with turning the wheels while the brakes are depressed. Myself included. I flushed the fluid and replaced, but the problem still exists. Your comment about slow speeds still having issues might suggest another problem...

 

This sounds like low volume. You can have high / normal pressure but the pump must be able to pump a specific volume of fluid to function properly. Not all pumps are created equal. I have had experience with pumps from different suppliers having different volume. This will not show up until you load the unit and given the diesel has ps and pb both from the pump it is more sensitive to volume.