Brake/Steering Issue

[alk8778]

I know there are alot of posts on here for power steering and braking related issues, Ive searched through them and cant seem to find the answer im looking for. I have a 2003 F250 with the 6.0. I have been having intermittent issues with the steering, loosing power steering every once in a while. No whining or noises. The rest of the time it turns just fine. I have also been having issues with the brakes. I seem to have lost power brakes, the pedal is very hard, and if i slam on the brakes from about 45, it takes forever to stop, there is definatly not the power there used to be. There is fluid leaking from the steering gear box, but only enough to have filled it up once in the past 4 months, and it was only about an inch low.

Truck is about to go to the stealership. I dont want to get bent over the table and would much rather do the work myself and save the 1000 dollars they want in labor for the pump and gearbox alone. What can be causing this problem, where should i start? How can i diagnose what is wrong? Any info about replacing the gearbox or power steering pump?

I am very short on time as I am leaving for a vacation, towing a 25' boat from Michigan to Key West on xmas day. I need help!

[greasltn]

If the steering box is letting the fluid bypass, therefore dropping pressure, the pump can't keep up and you also lose power brakes. You may or may not need a new pump. I couldn't tell you without checking the outlet pressure.

[alk8778]

greasltn: you are saying that the power steering pump provides one constant pressure between both the hydroboost and the steering gear box, and that if pressure is lost on one side, it will affect the pressures at both output ends?

[alk8778]

FYI for others with same issue -- Problem was in both gearbox (losing pressure through bad seals) and in the power steering pump (bad fitting and worn out pump)

Thanks for the help greasltn.