This is another one that is often misdiagnosed by shops and owners alike. I will tell you now we rarely if ever see a Ford power steering hydraulic failure whether it be a pump or rack they just don't fail they don't even have leak issues for the most part, nothing that would cause a steering issue anyway. If you are having this issue where there is a free bind free bind feeling in your steering take a look at my video I walk you through it.

 

Ford racks do fail. We had the rack replaced in my wife's Taurus X AWD at around 70K miles.

 

Of course they fail or else ford wouldn't be able to sell remanufactured racks since there would be no cores to rebuild. My point is that I have been working on Fords for awhile now and have only changed a handful of power steering racks and most were abuse by customer, curb checks etc. Also not sure what yours failed from but the freestyle racks cannot be fixed they must be replace as an assemble so if there was just a loose inner tie rod end you need to change the rack. I am not saying they don't ever fail but man compared to the other manufacturers systems we see in the shop Ford stuff seems bullet proof. So in the end I am say don't just assume its the rack, take the time and do my easy test first as it is likely your failure. After this customer changed the pump himself for this problem and it didn't fix it he brought it in for me to replace the rack I was like wait let me check it first sure enough.....

 

In our case, there was power assist turning right, but none turning left. It was most definitely the rack. It happens; any mechanical part can fail.

 

Great video! This issue is very common..

I'd say if there is any binding in the steering you should check your steering shaft u joints first.. It connects the steering column to the rack.. The lower joint is notorious for rusting, binding, and failing..

There's not much that beats a new replacement part, but you can just grease the old rusty U joint really well to relieve the symptoms. If you need to buy yourself some time, or need to eliminate the steering shaft as a possible culprit for a steering bind, then you can grease it.. Nothing else seems to work except for packing that u joint full of grease..

I had some severe hard spots while turning and it was making the truck hard to control. I kroiled the u joint, then greased it up thoroughly and its been perfect for the last 8 months..

I still suggest you replace it, but I figure I would just throw out this quick and easy way to diagnose if this shaft is an issue..

 

I did the same a year ago

 

My better half and I noticed some Binding on Small Turns at slow and high speeds on our Ford F 150 the other day, took it into our local Ford dealer here on the coast today,
recommends a new power steering pump, looking at a $300.00+ for replacement, Think I well give Makuloco2000s advice and Check the steering shaft U joints first, well let ya know what happens
JS Way

 

Well I am glad you found my post. Yes please do my test it only takes 5 minutes and you will know for sure.