ReaperHWK

just noticed this today, I know my truck it drove fine yesterday.

Anyway, what the issue is that when I try to turn, it feels like I have 50% power steering. I mean I can turn the thing but the wheels feel like they are 200lbs. No noises or rattles.

I checked the power steering fluid, it is full.
BTW, if the pump fails completely can the truck be driven without power steering? Is it humanely possible to drive the thing or not? Just thinking safety here, I've steered compact cars without power steering and you could do it.

THanks

gone postal

Spray some wd-40 into the joints on the lower steering shaft. They tend to freeze up over time. The WD (or other penetrating oil) will lube the joints. If it loosens up, you've found your problem.


They have non-lube U-joints in the shaft, and they go bad over time.

ReaperHWK

Thanks, Ill give that a shot. Truck is 10 yrs old I expect things to start falling apart soon

greasyknuckles

yup lower intermediate steering shaft u-joints are seizing up. easy to change and
not very expensive.

Gib1031

Make sure your IWE pump is working as well. If not it will lock you CV axles in and make it feel like it is in 4x4. Thanks if it is 4x4. If it is working check each IWE on the front end make sure the lines are still hooked up and no crack's in the lines.

greasyknuckles

never heard of an IWE pump before. 2006 used engine vacuum to the
IWE solenoid which either supplied vacuum to the IWE hubs or dumped
off the vacuum when 4x4 was required (unless it failed). correct about
disconnected lines especially after someone did a brake job. now the
ecoboost equipped trucks have a vacuum pump, but even with hubs locked in you shouldn't feel much of a difference as front drive cars use
cv axles and they aren't hard to turn.

SCORGE

My bet would be the steering shaft U-joints trying to seize. Wd-40 or some oil on them, see what happens

BadFish523

Check for a potato in the tailpipe