HELP!

I have a minor issue with my 2004 F-150 (STX 4x4 4.6l) that is slowly driving me nuts.

At times the steering is hard, at times it feels normal.

When it has its issues, it will turn fine for a few degrees off center, but anything beyond that is like manual steering.

If it was constant, and it was an older F-150, I'd say it had a bent drag link, but it isn't constant, and this is rack and pinion.

Any suggestions?

 

i have the same problem right now it just started so i replaced the pump yesterday. not it! the only other part in the steering system looks to be the rack. any other comments or suggestions would be great thanks. napa has rmans for 315 and not so much luck at my local yards>

 

There may be variable rate steering sensor in the rack. See if there are wires running to the rack, if there are, your switch may be going bad. Generally pump will make noise or leak if the are going bad.

Racks just leak. If yours is not leaking it probably isn't bad.

 

i sprayed the steering shaft down with wd-40 and the prob went away easy fix i guess. but i had 180 into the pump job pissed off but glad its not a rack

 

I'm starting to think it's the rubber u-joint in the steering shaft causing the problem. If it sits for a couple days it acts up, if I drive it constantly it's fine.

 

You may want to check your belt tensioner. I had a similar problem with a van and a new tensioner was the fix. Good luck. mike