the obs trucks used a vacuum pump that was belt driven to run the steering and it wasn't tied into the braking system. The old truck i had could steer perfect when stopped. This one no such luck. The heavy duty chassis (commercial) obs had hydroboost. My truck has the same problem as you. The steering box is a redhead, the pump is a reman Ford, the ball joints are good, the hubs are newer, the steering stabilizer is newer, and I just got an alignment. Still won't really steer when stopped. I just learned to live with it... The problem with aftermarket pumps such as PSC and AGR is the hydroboost is the 'bottleneck' in the system. The hydroboost unit can only flow so much, and as it stands is pretty much at capacity. You could find someone to bore it out then get an upgraded steering pump, but it will die faster if you run a stock hydroboost.

 

I hate to hear all of this info because my friends 01 turns and drives like a half ton! and My truck is better than it was but not perfect. I was hoping to find out that the pump would do it! I am going to waste some money and try the pump soon and let you guys kn ow! furthermore I am going to replace with synthetic tranny fliud...

 

My 6.0's don't do this, and turn like a half ton. Then again, they don't have many miles yet. My highest milage 6.0 is only at about 80k.

 

i took my steering stabilizer off today and was just wondering how hard it should b to push in.This thing is as hard to pushin as on of my shocks on the truck. I dont think it should b that hard. Havnt been in a parking lot to see if that is what is the problem but sitting still in my shop it turns alot easier.

 

My truck does'nt have a stabilizer shock on it though so that is going to be no help. I have read some people have had good luck with the pump change. also my friends 01 has the shock? so it should'nt matter but I think that it might be the fluid and pump!

 

the steering stabilizer won't affect difficulty in steering unless it is done for or bent. It just dampens quick changes in direction such as bump steer so the steering wheel doesn't jerk...

 

I replaced my pump and guess what? My truck turns easier and steers easier as well! I think this is as good as she gets.....anyways just wanted to let you all know.

 

Sounds like a good deal! Did you get a Ford remn or other?

 

Talk to us in about 8000 miles...I bet it is back again.
I don't want to be a negative person/basher, but I have heard a few stories about this happening and I am one of them. Good Luck!

 

THe pump that was on my truck when I bought it exhibited none of the typical problems. However, it was noisy when cold so I replaced it. Guess what, hard to turn when braking.

Something up with the pump. Maybe initially it's ok, hopefully it will be forever. Second pump since then and it didn't make a difference.

 

So you had the same thing Chris? It sure does blow! Try to back a 25' gooseneck in a crowded fairgrounds with it...or the 90 degree boat launch at one of my favorite lakes...

 

I have.... well close enough to a 25' gooseneck. I'm researching cheap alternatives to fix this, but I'm waiting on my replacment ecm right now.

I was so happy when I got the truck and it didn't have the steering problem. If figured something was different about a 2002 that I had seen in earlier model 7.3's. Wrong, just had a decent pump. What's worse is the pump I have now, is noisy.

 

It works on the Super Duty also. Ideally you should enlarge the passages in the hydroboost as well to 5/8 inch, as that is the bottle neck after this mod.

 

I'm having problems steering too. Was there any conclusion to this thread? I have 280k miles on the truck now, and my problem started at about 240k miles. Luckly I have a manual tranny, so in parking lots I can push in the clutch and rev the engine to turn easier. Should I try a new pump? Is there any advantage to buying a new pump with the reservoir? The reservoir isn't too hard to swap between old and new pumps, is it?

 

Like to here the end to this.