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Power steering problem. Help wanted!!

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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 09:24 PM
  #1  
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Power steering problem. Help wanted!!

I have a 2004 f-350 v-10 It has a 4" rancho suspension lift with 315/65/16
I have had a problem when the tires are on dry pavement at a dead stop I can not turn the tires. I took it in to the ford dealer and they said they found metal shavings in the pump. They replaced the pump and steering sector gear box to $$$$. It's been a week now and I still have the same problem.Is this normal that I cant turn at a dead stop with this big of a tire?????? I've never heard of this before. Can anybody help me out?????
 
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 10:51 PM
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switching to Synth. fluid helps in this scenario, but are you sure you dont have some other issue going on ???

i'd be tempted to lift teh front axle and manualy grab the tires and try truning each direction to watch/feel for binding.

you might have a ujoint thats ceasing up or a bad balljoint.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 11:02 PM
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I had all new ball joints put in.And far as the ujoint's go I will check them to. Since they put the new pump and gear box in it hasn't gotten any better. I'm going to call the dealer on Monday and talk to the mec. again. I don't think this is normal.Or could it be the brake booster?
 
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 11:44 PM
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If you can....put OEM size back on to check if same problem. If not, you should get in the habit of rolling slightly while turning as it will save the tires and steering system with big rubber on. Check the pitman arm, not sure if a dropped arm is needed on a 4" lift but you may have some issues there with a stock arm.
 
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Old Feb 7, 2010 | 03:02 AM
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Shawn,

It's a common issue especially with larger tires. There doesn't seem to be much you can do about it besides changing the fluid or replacing the pump and making sure the steering box and other front end components are ok.

You might end up needing to get used to playing the throttle and brake to get the wheels rolling a little bit to steer from a near stop.

(stiff steering issue search link)

Rick...
 
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Old Feb 7, 2010 | 08:10 AM
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ok guys thanks for the help! I will check into it some more.
 
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Old Feb 7, 2010 | 08:17 AM
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on my 01 250 it does the same thing,if i am in the driveway i can't turn the wheel till i start to let the truck roll.i have 285/75/16 in it. and i have done all the balljoints and front u-joints and it has manual free/lock 4x4 and don't dee anything binding.
 
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Old Feb 7, 2010 | 09:01 AM
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I had a 2005 f-250 and had 34/75/17 on it and I had no problem turning the wheel.
I would think my 2004 f-350 with 315/75/16 on would be the same. I don't know, find out Monday when I talk to the ford dealer mec. Or I guess just deal with it then
 
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Old Feb 7, 2010 | 09:20 AM
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I had the exact same problem. I changed power steering fluid to synthetic and it helped alot. Make sure your front tires are aired up to max rated pressure. By doing both of those things mine is 98% better.
 
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Old Feb 7, 2010 | 10:56 AM
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Originally Posted by shawn55
I had all new ball joints put in.And far as the ujoint's go I will check them to. Since they put the new pump and gear box in it hasn't gotten any better. I'm going to call the dealer on Monday and talk to the mec. again. I don't think this is normal.Or could it be the brake booster?

NO, the brake booster isnt going to affect your steering input feel
 
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Old Feb 7, 2010 | 12:21 PM
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my 04 does it also even when i had the stock tires the dealer put everything in new and it still does it, my dads 00 4x4 diesel does it also my buddies 03 does it and my uncles bone stock 04 does it. i think ford needs to update their pump because my 78 f-150 turns with no problems and it has 35's!
 
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Old Feb 7, 2010 | 12:33 PM
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my old 95 ranger with 31/10.5's on it never had a probley or the better half would of made shure to bitch at me about it, and my 88 250 7.3 never did it with 265/85/16 never did it either,you would think if the older trucks never did it the newer one's wouldn't either but i guess just ford putting cheap parts on them now.i am only 5'2" tall and the better half is a little shorter than me around 4'10-11" 5foot and a smaller build than me.she hates driving the truck because of the stearing,ect parking lots,she keeps telling me to put the ranger back on the road but that's not going to happen.
 
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