I have an '05, 4.6ltr, F150. Lately within the last week my steering has become a little tough. Just turning out of my drive seems to be a challenge. I have checked all the fluids and they are all fine, there are no leaks from under the hood. Ity seems that when i want to make a turn in will do so but only in what I can discribe as 1/4 turns until I am facing the direction I need to be and then steering back into position. Could this be something to do with either the steering pump or the lower and upper ball joints?

 

what did the fluid look like? dirty?

 

The fluid is clear and had been topped up within the last 4-5 months.

 

powersteering fluid is very hydrophilic like brake fluid. first thing i would do is flush the old fluid out.

 

The lower steering shaft has Ujoints in it. They bind, and can easily cause this. Spray them with some WD or PB blaster and see if it improves. If so, you need a lower steering shaft.