Hey guys it's been a while since I was on.
My 2004 new style F-150 is having steering troubles.
When gas went to over 4 bucks around here I bought a car, so the truck only averages a couple hundred miles a month. Sometimes it won't get driven at all for 5-6 weeks.
A month or so ago when I was pulling out of my driveway the steering was hard to turn left and right. If I worked it back and forth about 5 times it loosened up and felt normal.
I've started zig-zagging down my driveway so it wood be loose by the time I got to the road.
The fluid is topped off. No leaks.
I'm hoping it's not the rack, although that's what I think it might be.

Anyone have any idea's?

Chris

edit
I just looked at the TSBs there is one about high pressure hose seeping when cold.
I think it started when it got cold.
I guess I better look at the lines.I just looked at the ground and the dip stick.

 

I just experienced the same thing when it turned cold.
The colder it got the colder the tighter the steering got, when I drove the truck for a while the steering would loosen up.
A friend of mine suggested I check the 2 u-joints on the steering column so I pulled back the rubber seals on the u-joints and sprayed them with penetrating oil. Instantly the steering was nice an smooth and easy again even at -27C.
I bought some lithium based spray penetrant which sets up into a grease after application(it's made by Liquid Wrench) I thoroughly sprayed both u-joints with this moisture and dirt resistant spray and the steering has been smooth as silk ever since.
Prior to all this I had changed the power steering fluid twice, replaced the serpentine belt and checked all balljoints and tie rod ends.

I hope this is your problem because the fix is cheap!

Happy Holidays!

 

Thank you very much.
There is another similar thread, and it was recommended to try to change the fluid.
I'll definitely try the U joints first.
I have lots of different spray lubes. I may already have it.
It's been raining a few days. when it stops I'll give it try.
I would have changed the fluid today if it wasn't raining.

Thanks again
Chris

 

No problem, let me know how you make out.

Randy(ranair57)

 

hey I have been having the same problem except mine happens off and on sometimes while driving, every time it happens I look at the temp of the engine it is always at cold so I am hopeing I have the same problem as you I dont know when my power steering fluid was last changed and I will be doing that tomorow just in case that is the problem, how did your fix work for you.

 

It warmed up, and it completely went away.
Then the holidays came and it got pushed back.
Now it's super cold and windy, so I'm putting it off.
My truck is a second vehicle so I don't feel like freezing my butt off to work on it.
I bought brakes and rotors last week also. It's just too cold.
About two years ago the truck needed ball joints for inspection.
I changed them in this same kind of weather. I didn't have another vehicle at that time.
It's no fun working on stuff when it's 20 degrees out.
As soon as I work on it I'll

Chris

 

ok thanks ya I can understand what you meen by not wanting to work in the cold. thanks for the reply.