I replaced a leaking line a while back. Bled it, worked fine for a while.

Now, the power steering isn't "powering" as well unless I'm giving it gas. I know that's a stupid way to explain it, and obviously the steering doesn't turn well when you're sitting still as opposed to moving. But, there's a significant difference from before when it comes to how much "power" I'm getting out of my power steering.

Is this the beginning of the end for my pump? No leaks, fluid is fine, etc.

Basically, I'm just wondering if I should replace it now before it just dies altogether and I have to turn this like a cruise ship.

 

Check the belt, if it's loose or worn it will require more effort to use when not moving.

 

It's not worn...only a few months old. 2 maybe?

 

BTW, everything else is fine. Alternator, temperature. And that all spins off of the same belt, right?

 

If you ran the pump dry there's a good chance that it was damaged.

It's possible that there's some air trapped in there somewhere. Some of the Ford pumps don't bleed out easily and they have to be force bled.

Can't think of the brand name right offhand, but there's a power steering fluid additive that can improve the pump function if it's not worn too badly.

 

If your comfortable that the belt is not slipping, fluid level is good and it was working fine after you replaced the hose for awhile, I would say the pump in failing. You could lift the front end off the ground and turn the wheel and check for binding. Inspect the front end for any worn parts that might be binding also. and always use jackstands if you get under your truck. Good luck.

 

My pump was momentarily sticking at times, so it would throw the belt randomly. I upgraded to the Saginaw pump, way better steering response.

 

better indeed

 

Saginaw pump???

 

It's a GM pump and you can usually find them on E series vans. It helps get rid of the wine and an all together better pump.