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Old Mar 19, 2010 | 10:34 AM
  #1  
1999SuperD's Avatar
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From: Navarre Fl
Hard Steering

I have a 99 F250 4x4 and if im parked its is really hard to turn the steering wheel. I replaced the power steering pump last week cause it was making noise. When its rolling it is easy to turn. I put it up in the air a few days ago to check out the front end and every thing seems good other then a little play in ball joints but the truck has 212k on it so that is to be expected. The is a little play in the gearbox but would that cause the steering to be really tight when parked? Thanks
 
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Old Mar 19, 2010 | 10:54 AM
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I think they are run by the motor stuff. so you would have to get some RPMs for it to work better.
I thought the same thing when I was in the parking lot and trying to turn when i bought my truck. you get used to it.

some one will have a better answer than mine for sure.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2010 | 11:22 AM
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Welcome to FTE! You came to the right place for information and justification for spending money on mods as well as maintenance.

If you aren't used to having a diesel, there is a big, heavy engine sitting up there and with reasonably large tires, there is a lot of traction when trying to twist those tires while standing still. If it steers easily while driving, I wouldn't be too concerned. Mine didn't and I had to replace all the ball joints. Definitely made a difference.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2010 | 11:25 AM
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I guess you know to use ATF instead of power steering fluid in the power steering pump. The power steering pump also supplies boost for the brake system. If you step on the brakes at the same time you are trying to turn the steering wheel, it will be a little tighter. You should be able to turn the steering wheel while stopped.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2010 | 11:52 AM
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Welcome to FTE....The folks are telling you straight.The weight is hard on the front end.If you have oversized/aggressive tires it will play a factor in turning when not moving.Mine does the same thing.285/75/16
 
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Old Mar 19, 2010 | 11:56 AM
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In my experience the two things that affect no-speed steering the most are low tire tread and ball joints. Replace the ball joints and you'll be amazed at how much easier it will be to turn it. I usually get my front tires lined up as I pull in. Turn them the way you'll need them on your way out and you're miles ahead.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2010 | 02:00 PM
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Thanks guys. I will changing the ball joints and steering gear box soon so maybe after i do that it will be good.
 
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Old Apr 14, 2011 | 05:11 PM
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Deleted, posted in wrong thread.
 

Last edited by TexasRenegade; Apr 14, 2011 at 05:12 PM. Reason: Posted in wrong thread.
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Old Apr 14, 2011 | 09:35 PM
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try a power stearing flush first, i know mine did the same thing with 37"tires, flushed the system and all is well...I dont know how to add a link (for the instructions) but maybe someone here will jump in.......
 
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Old Apr 14, 2011 | 10:02 PM
  #10  
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Here's a good how to,
Ford Super Duty Power Steering Flush | Superdutypsd.com
 
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Old Sep 27, 2023 | 06:42 AM
  #11  
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Very hard steering

Originally Posted by joeyd61
try a power stearing flush first, i know mine did the same thing with 37"tires, flushed the system and all is well...I dont know how to add a link (for the instructions) but maybe someone here will jump in.......
Thanks for that video it was helpful. So the other day I got in my truck I was going to realize there was a railroad ties on my left when I pulled forward. The railroad tie tipped and spun my wheel around FAST AND HARD. Now it’s super hard to turn my truck even when driving. Damn near impossible while sitting still. Any ideas on how or what to fix?
 
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