Hard Steering

[MarkVF]

Hi there from NW MT.

I'm looking into my first diesel. I have found a 1999 F350 Crew Longbox. It has 113000 miles on it 4 inch exhaust and ?chip/tuner?. The guy is willing to take $15K for it. My question is that when it is idling in park, I can't turn the steering wheel. If I rev up the engine, I can turn it easily. Is this normal? I have confirmed that the power steering pump is full of fluid. I have been told that is the way it is suppose to be. Seems to me it would make hooking up to my fifthwheel, or backing into a camping site difficult. Any input would be greatly appreceited. I don't want to let this one get away, as it would be a huge improvement over my 2500 Silverado gasoline for pulling.

Thanks.
Mark

[SgtStroked7.3]

on my 2001 it is like that too, except when i drive, the wheel tends to stick in one spot and it actually takes effort to keep her on the road.... how much is a new pump...

[WEWILLE]

It could do that especially if it has bigger tires. I wouldnt worry to much about it. My 05 does not have trouble, but it is newer. My 99 dodge is kind of hard to turn, but backing trailers slowly is not a problem.

[MarkVF]

This one has stock tires on it. I realize that you just can't park this truck anywhere, but I have a hard time believing that everybody out there is man handling there steering wheel. Afterall, I see alot of ladies driving these trucks, I know the women in Montana are tough, but come on.

Mark

[Goose]

i think it is the larger tires my truck does this once in a while

[MARCUSO]

Nature of the beast. I believe they all do this to some point. Occasionally mine has hard steering, but when I give a little throttle, it goes away.

[bigcountrysg]

Mine did that then i replaced the powersteering pump. Problem was solved after about 2.5 hours of work.

[MarkVF]

I think that I'll buy the truck and try a new pump.

[WEWILLE]

Make sure the powersteering lines are ok, I just worked on a 2000 f-250 with the diesel last week which just needed a new hose. It was routed in such a way that created a flow restriction making it hard to turn.

[Goose]

mine is always as soon as I start it then it goes away I think its just the fluid pumping to the pump