Hi all, this is for a 2005 f150 fx4 5.4 with about 215k on the clock.

My son drives it every day and something is putting stress on the engine to the point that i had to bump the idle up by 270 rpm to keep from getting p0022 codes. I think it has been narrowed down to the power steering system. The truck does have a 6 inch lift and 35s. He states that when turning sharp and moving slow he has to use both arms and it's hard to turn. This is when codes pop up, always during a hard turn condition due to the idle drop.

Can you help me with a few questions?
1. Should I attempt a flush first? The fluid has never been changed to my knowledge.
2. If so, what do I use to replace fluid and is the turkey baster method good enough.
3. Should I just go all in and replace the pump? How hard is this? Which fluid do I use to replace if also doing the pump?

Thanks in advance

 

Not to rush you guys but he is only in town until Monday so I only have a couple of days to get this completed.

 

I would do the flush first using turkey baster and just put in whatever it says on the lid of the reservoir, or I have good luck with the Valvoline maxlife ATF.
BUT it may premature to assume the steering is what's causing the idle to drop unless that's literally the only time you encounter the issue. Make sure the idle isn't dropping for some other reason and you just notice it because it becomes hard to steer is what I'm saying....

If you do end up having to replace something then having the system already flushed out will be better for the new components.

Also, check that the intermediate shaft isn't crusty and binding up.

 

Understood, it has happened 3 times and always when slow rolling or sitting and making a hard turn. I'll try the fluid swap first. Thanks.

 

@needsmoarturbo where is the intermediate shaft located? Is this the main shaft coming out of the firewall?

 

Yes between the column and the rack.

 

Well I checked this out and that shaft seems to be just fine.

It has been several months and it has happened multiple times. Every time it occurs is under a low rpm while turning sharp-ish condition.

Is it safe to assume it's the power steering pump now. What else could replicate this issue while turning at low rpm?

Thanks Everyone

 

We also did end up doing the flush but it hasn't helped yet.