Power steering issues, replaced pump.
Primed pump w/t oil cooler line off , & flushed a quart
through system. Worked perfectly - 20 mlles. Now similar
To reason I replaced pump!! 6" movement, no assist, then pwr
But minimal assist to return, seems as if she'll just go in circles!!
Any speed.
2K ago , replaced Centric hub assy.'s
Discs & pads. Barely made 180 ft lbs torque on mount nut.
Using dex ATF. as called out in books
Initial steering input, now , becomes more & more resistive?!!

 

im gonna say air somewhere

 

If you jack up the front if the truck and it still does it when the engine isn't running its the steering shaft. The joints corrode and begin to seize. Makes the same symptoms.

 

It's your steering shaft. The universal joint gets bound up, hence not returning to center.

 

If you hit the universal joint with a good penetrating oil it'll loosen up and buy you time before you need to replace it. It really should be recalled.

 

No s!?t, that lower joint looks corroded as a nail in coke!!
But just the lower half. It also feels as if there's air in system.
THANKS - EVERYONE !!!
Will search TSB's ..

 

I've been contemplating getting the updated steering shaft. Is it as easy to replace as I think it is? Just the two bolts on either side of the knuckle?

 

Chances are there is no air, it just feels that way because of the resistance. All you have to do to remove air is remove the reservoir cap and turn the wheel back and forth if that makes you feel better.

Well it's never that easy but the job isn't too bad. There is a step by step guide here somewhere if you search.

 

Is there anything a guy can do to prevent or slow this corrosion down. Paint, grease, penetrating oil? Seems like everyday there is a new *****ed up problem with these trucks.

 

I sprayed mine with Thrust penetrating oil and its been fine since. Not that big a deal if you catch it early enough. I have no play, and after a couple applications it's seems to have stopped the corrosion. Just be careful it your manifolds are hot. Hit it from the top and through the wheel well. Turn the wheel over and hit it again. It'll listen up for you. Just make it part if your maintenance plan and you'll be ok.