Power Steering Problem-Gearbox?
 

Hello everyone. I am having problems with my power steering on my 2001 F250 4x4. On a couple occasions, it is like the power steering quits. The wheel is hard to turn. On a couple occasions, usually about the same time, when taking off from a stop sign or backing out of a parking space, it has popped a few times when I turned. I have siphoned out the fluid and put in new and it did it again.

Does this sound like the PS box is bad? It doesn't appear to be one direction only when the power goes out. I have checked the linkage and everything appears fine. I bought the truck new and occasionally felt a slight grind or small rough spot in the steering since it was pretty new, but it never really amounted to anything and was very rare. I am thinking that was the start of this problem. Please help diagnose.

Also, I put in regular power steering fluid. That is what it takes, right?
Thanks! matt

Not power steering fluid :scare2:. ATF. I'm having issues with mine too I think. It takes two hands to turn my wheels when I'm sitting still, no brakes. It's impossible to turn with the brakes applied. I've also noticed my brakes don't seem to have as much power.

Tried just throwing a new PS pump on there?

Not yet. I am taking it to a shop tonight. He was thinking with the popping, maybe it is the u joints on the front. I don't think that would explain the loss of power steering though. Seems to me it is the pump, gearbox, or both. I did learn today ATF instead of PS fluid. I only have a half of quart in maybe before I learned how to flush it. I will need to flush it now for sure. I will wait until I see if the gearbox is bad.

PS fluid is fine. Ford says ATF, but both work.

Good to know. Thanks! At least the little I have in there won't cause any damage while I drive it in to town.

---AutoMerged DoublePost---

Looks like it is the driver side u joint in the front axle. Wasn't a power steering system problem after all. It will set me back about $400.