Power steering issues

[CutterN55]

Been having some issues with the steering lately. Feels like the pump is sluggish or weak.

My wife is the one that complains... she drives it most of the time.

When making low speed or sharp turns(parking), it feels like the pump quits. I'll get a half turn or so, with assisted steering, but after that you gotta yank the wheel pretty hard. If you turn it real slow it works okay, but not great.

Fluid level is good checked and re-checked that.
Could a clogged filter cause this? Is that even likely?
If I replace the pump, what seals need to be replaced (if any) so I only have to make one parts run?

Thanks guys.

[CutterN55]

Update...

power steering is good on initial start up, but after cycling the wheel back and forth it tightens up quick.

when attempting to turn the wheel once it tightens up, I can get another little bit out of it when i rev the engine and when it comes back down the wheel returns to where it tightened up at.

Belt tension is good.

[Fred Swanson]

I can remember awhile back a post on this and that the powersteering pump was replaced and the issue was gone.....don't remember what the pump that replaced the original one was but maybe someone else will chime in on this.....Fred

[CutterN55]

that's the direction I was going, but I don't like shot-gunning parts in and I wanted some opinions.

[CutterN55]

Well I got the pump in after a good bit of sweat, a little bleeding, and a lot of strong language. I made a puller out of a peice of 2" square tube and a big nut and bolt to get the pulley off, it was really on there good. I ended up wrecking the pulley. I have to go pick up a new one from Oreilly's at 3:30.

I guess there is a special tool to get the pulley pressed on?
Do I need it? Not enough room to drive it on with a mallet, any other tricks?
Any body got a pic of this tool?...maybe I can make one up real quick.

Thanks.

This Ford is almost as big of a pain in the butt to work on as my Jeep.

[CutterN55]

All good now. The pump wasn't all that bad to R & R, but the drivers side turbo tube gave me crap. I forgot the brand I used as a replacement, but it has a lifetime warrantee from Advanced Auto. Also came with the reservoir. Core charge was $30. Pulley removal and install tool kit is available for rental from O'Reilly's.

-Was a straight bolt in, no seals to change out. Here's a how to if anybody needs it.

-Take the belts off the pulley, pop off the pulley, (it's a press on type for future reference). Soak it in PB the day before you tackle it.
-Remove the bolts securing the pump to the mount.
-Pull the Drivers side, Turbo tube if not done already.
-Lift up the pump and pull the lines off. (this will be messy, make sure you've got a big drip pan under there) 3 lines if I recall...
-Pull the pump out.

-Install is reverse order.
-Install turbo tube
-Jack front wheels off the ground.
-Bleed the system
-Add ATF a little at a time, as it will over flow if you cycle it too fast.
-Cycle lock to lock about 25-35 times (or until all the air bubbles are gone and nice smooth steering is felt) and top off.
-Remove jackstands and lower the truck.
-Take a nice trip around the block and and park it a few times and check it out.
-Enjoy smooth assisted steering once again.