Newbie...with steering problems...

[bigredmachine]

Hello all!! I just got my first ford!!! Always GM until the last truck finally put me over the edge....this was the score at 291,357kms mark....2 motors,4 auto trans,5 fuel pumps,4 heater cores,rebuilt front end 3 times, it goes on and on...lol...
So I bought myself a FORD!!!!
Forgive me if this should be posted elsewhere
When I bought the truck (1 week ago) the power steering was almost non existing a low rpm or low speed....yesterday I blew a high pressure line on the pump (had been rubbing on the steering rod) no problem,...changed that out, nice and cheap!! $26 I filled it up with fresh fluid. I DID NOT USE MERCON hope thats ok. The steering is still stiff as it was before??? What gives?
Just wondering what parts ie;power steering pump and or steering box are going to cost me if that indeed is the problem....
Do you have to bleed the system? Never really done any power steering work before...lol...I guess thats the one thing GM got right..lol..

Thanks for your time all..talk to you again soon I hope!

Bigredmachine...

 

[whipittire]

hello bigred. first.., is the belt tight? if its slipping,your pump wont work right. 2nd, use power steering fluid. trans fluid wont work right. any noise comming from the pump? it will sound like its grinding under water and get louder when you turn the wheel back and forth. if none of this helps change out the pump first. steering boxes dont go bad as often hope i helped.

 

[bushpilot]

you may have some blockage in the lines...id drain the system, flush the lines and refill...see what you got.

 

[whipittire]

good point bush. the high pressure line is new . the low pressure line should drain easily check it ooouuutttt

 

[Zookie400]

i vote for the pump...when the line blew i assume the pump ran dry.

if there was blockage on the return line it wouldnt hold up to the extreme pressure(that the pump should be pushing), you would find a really big leak or a burst hose.

there could be blockage on the high pressure side, but (if the pump was good) you would hear it straining as if you were holding the wheel locked against the steer stops.

 

[hwytom]

well i have found some fords with no steering return and sometime binding or steering seems tight found the cause to be sticking ball joints.
no clue if you have a check ball problem if it applies to your truck

 

[dennisj2003]

When I took my truck in for a turbo change I ask the tech about my steering being tough to turn at low speed sometimes, Ans he pointed to the part behind the brake, I think its called a hydroboost. He said it would be the coulprit they have replaced alot of them under warranty.

The bad part mine is not under warranty any more, and the part is $1,800 at the dealer dont know yet if it can be found cheaper, I am sure it can be though.
Havent changed mine yet it sits around alot now because of fuel prices.