Jackthedripper

Hi folks,

I have an '08 F150. 5.4. Over the past few days the power steering has been in and out. When starting up it is usually dead. Sometimes it comes back to a degree and a couple of days ago it returned to normal for a couple of hours then went completely dead again. We have been flooded out here and I did drive it through some running board deep water. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Dozer5

Check the universal joint in the steering shaft. It's just inside the wheel well and has a tendency to corrode and begin to seize. Feels like the steering is going out but may be the shaft. Hit it with some penetrating oil and see if it gets better.

Masi1926

What do you see when you look at the pump? Is it whining? Fluid low? Or is it binding when you turn?

Jackthedripper

No whining, fluid level is normal and with no loss. It is now completely dead. There might be a tiny bit of power assist but generally it takes two arms to make a significant turn. I've made an appointment with the mechanic but he's busy until later in the week. So I'm pretty much hoofing it (which means staying home)

Jackthedripper

Universal joints are a rusty but seems fine. I hit them with penetrating oil anyway. Steering is fundamentally dead now.