I recently changed my PS lines and front struts. Since then the assist is not correct. The level of assist is not constant. When cold it is worse - feels like steering is binding. After it is fully warmed-up it steers much better but still not perfect. I have worked it lock to lock and I see no signs of air.

All I can think of is when I started it after changing the lines, maybe I damaged the pump when I first started it. The reservoir had been full but it made noise until I could refill it. Maybe the 20sec of partial dry running damaged the original pump????? Any suggestions?

 

I did not have the truck realigned. Does strut replacement require realignment?

 

I found the problem thanks to searching this forum on "hard steering". The problem was the steering column - the two knuckles. Soaked with WD40 and then covered with lithium spray grease and steering is fine now.

The problem was caused by my previous repair. When I was replacing the steering lines I saw the knuckles and sprayed them (not sure if it was WD40 or PB blaster). Not a good idea - a real oil and grease are needed.