OK, I really need some help. There has got to be a steering GURU out there some where. I have 190,000 plus miles on my 2000 EX. Everything that has to do with steering (except the power steering Pump and springs) has been replaced over the last couple of years. I am almost ready to surrender and go get _______ by the stealership. I think I am starting to imagine things. It seems to drive better on the way to work when it is cooler than on the way home when it is hot out. What are the symptoms of pump failure. any help is welcome. Thank You

 

What are YOUR symptoms?

 

It wanders , I feels like I am over steering, I am afraid to change lanes.

 

Type in "Steering wander" (without the quotes, of course) in the search function for this forum and sit down and read.

Pop a cold one when you do, because you'll have hours of reading.

Stewart

 

Do you have slack in your steering wheel? Have you replaced the steeering gear? Does it feel like your being pulled into another lane? Sorry for all the questions but wandering is kind of vague. It's the service manager coming out in me.

 

It feels like a soft wind pushing one way and then back the other. Yes it has a new rebuilt redhead steering box. Also there is some play in the wheel. Ive tried to adjust it but I dont want to go to tight. when I have someone wiggle the steering wheel back and forth about an inch and a half,while I am under the EX I can watch the steering shaft move but not the pitman arm. THANKS FOR THE REPLIES

 

Also I Just Remembered That When Rolling Down My Gravel Driveway, The Steering Wheel Kicks Back And Forth. My Driveway Is On A Fairly Steep Hill So I Have To Use 2" To 3" Gravel To Keep It From Washing Out With A Heavy Rain. But It Didnt Use To Kick.

 

When you do the search, pay attention to the spring swap and RAS (Roadmaster Active Suspension) threads and posts.

The spring swap mods you'll read about (like the V & B Code mod you see in my sig) is a common fix for the inherent steering wander that plagues these 4x4 rigs.

Stewart

 

That sounds like one or both front hubs are locked while not having the 4WD engaged. If you're drive selectors are in 2WD (assuming your X is a 4WD model), you should be able to reach behind each front wheel and turn the U-joint in the axle by hand. If the U-joints won't turn, then that hub is engaged.

 

Have you replaced your stabilizer on the steering?? You might need to upgrade to a larger one or a pair.

 

i fought this for weeks, finally the dealership changed out the steering box fixed 99.99 of the problems finally happy...... I proved it to the dealership after going out on a limb and grabbing the steering wheel of a 2004 with 140,000 super duty at the dealership and comparing the two (i had 39,000) miles that afternoon the truck was fixed.. dealership in Henderson TX is great

 

all good ideas, So I just wnet and checked the hub locks but they were fine and axle is free. The stabilizer is about three months old it is not a great one but it seams to be ok. I have tightened the steering box mesh load some more and the steering feels real firm but it still tries to return back to straight after being turned all the way to either stop right or left. My wife says that to her it feels like there is a delay in the steering. That is what I would call play. I am wondering what it feels like if the pump flow is weak. THANKS again!
Please keep the ideas comming.

 

The pump is there only for assist. Chances are if it was going out you would hear noise. Ever run out of fuel and tried to steer?

 

how do the brakes feel?? If the pump is weak you might be having issues with the hydroboost too. At low speeds can you turn the wheel and hit the brakes at the same time see if the steering becomes tight.

 

i had the dealership (was still under warranty) tighten mine up after reading about it here, It took some of the play out but still not right. Took it back replaced the steering box now its great!!