My 05 Expy with 96 K miles recently developed steering problems. While turning using hand over hand method, every other motion of the hand is really hard, followed by easy then hard again. Will not return upon completing turn. Didn't always act like that, worked its way up from approx two weeks ago. Had the system flushed at local ford dealer. They used Pro Tec system. Didn't seem to help, thought I'd try it rather than replace rack, pump or gearbox (does it have a gear box if it has a rack)? The symptoms would actually come and go over the period of this past week. Now it seem like it here to stay and possibley get the to point that it will be totally difficult to steer.
A mechanic told me a couple things to try, first check circulation of fluid while vehicle is running and turn wheels side to side. Fluid seems to be flowing fine. He also said to check a screen on the pressure side of the line going in to the pump. Some times they will plug up and give you problems. He also said something about a check valve. Gonna need a diagram of the pump for that one.
If anyone has any information on this subject, would really appreciate it,
thanks,
dano (bbdano)

 

Can't help you with the issue, but can tell you that you stand a much better chance of getting your answer here as opposed to your post at Edmunds.

 

Would you say it's every 1/2 turn of the steering wheel? If so, you could be looking at a bent sheering shaft, which is kind of unlikely, or you could more likely be having a binding issue with the steering shaft coupler.

 

I stopped by a local garage, specializing in front end alignments. He took a look at it and thought maybe the intermediate shaft may be seizing up. Which kinda makes sense. Yes, it is about every half turn. The shaft does not appear to be bent, that was another thing he looked at. I suppose I'll have to tear that off. I hope its as easy as it looks...and it would be less messier than checking the screen on the pressure line to the pump.
thanks,
dano

 

I have been having a problem with mine that sounds like this. Any luck with a fix?

 

JUst posted one, but to the point...try spraying the intermediate shaft with WD40 while someone is turn the steering wheel from stop to stop. Just be careful because you do this with the engine running.
Good luck
dano

 

Thanks to all for the ideas. "WD-40" and "BP blaster" worked for a short time. I soaked the U joints above and below the intermediate steering shaft with "brake free" and have not had a problem since.

 

You're welcome, I've still had bouts with mine, but have yet to get serious on it with the liquid wrench or any of that stuff...got other things to do to it, like replace spark plugs. It just turned over 100K not long ago. Right after it turned over the darn fuel pump driver module went bad...like over night! So that took a decent chunk out of my bank account. Easy fix though.
dano

 

Yeah, the fuel pump driver module.......dealer got $500 out of me on that one! Now that I know where it is, it's no wonder it shorted out.

 

YIKES! They'll get ya comin and goin. The Honda people wanted my arm and both my wife's legs to fix our little p.o.s. civic. Done it myself for free, and it kept me out of the house for a couple days too!