[golfer9619]

Hey guys,

Was coming back from the hunting land today and went to make a turn and lost power steering in the middle of a turn... almost hit someone. So once I got home I started messing with the truck and figured the following out:

1. Power steering works fine in reverse for the most part
2. At idle, I get maybe a 1/2 a turn each way and then it just stops. It doesn't whine, it just stops turning. (Don't see any leaks anywhere and full of fluid).
3. If I rev the motor and go to turn when stopped it will only go 1/2 a turn and start whining really bad and still not move but maybe another 1/4 turn more.
4. If I'm driving and go take a turn, the first half of the turn is fine and then all of the sudden it's like the pump just cuts out, and I'm back to no power steering. It goes back to normal once I straighten out and start speeding up again.

I'm thinking the power steering pump may be weak, but I'm going to put the truck on jack stands tomorrow and make sure nothing in the front end isn't binding. I replaced the steering gear box about a year ago so I doubt that's the problem. If I don't find anything bound up, I'm going to change the fluid out to new ATF and see if it helps. Anyone have any further input? TIA

 

[White95f250]

I recently replaced my power steering pump(original) because it was squeaking bad. Took belt off and found nearly 1/4" of end play!

Replaced the pump and I had no idea how bad the original was until I got my new one on. World of difference!

First i'd take the belt off and try turning the pump by hand and of course check the end play. If all seems fine then flush fluid and make sure nothing is binding. If you have to replace it then you are in for a fairly easy job.

I used a cheap tool from Harbor Freight and it worked fine. I hate chinese crap but it was available.

Pulley Remover and Installer Set, 12 Piece

Amazing deals on this Pulley Remover & Installer Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[golfer9619]

Thanks man. I know the job is pretty simple, just trying to make sure that's the issue.

 

[White95f250]

Let us know what you find. These trucks are getting to the age where the last of the original parts are going out.

 

[golfer9619]

I've experienced that. I have a door and door panel that needs to be replaced but they are getting pretty rare. I'll update tomorrow after I take a look.

 

[golfer9619]

So I got the truck on stands today and learned not to just unlock the steering and turn the wheels without the truck running. Too much pressure lol. Anyways, i didnt find anything binding so i sucked as much of the remianing fluid out that I could and refilled with fresh ATF. That seems to have worked for now. I may end up replacing the pump soon anyways as I think it is just starting to get weak.

Does anyone know what style pumps go on these trucks? When I look them up at parts stores, I see like 5 different variations. How many inlet tubes are on these pumps? The one that looks most similar is "one inlet tube in resovoir with metric thread fitting".