Looking for some suggestions. 04 Lariat 5.43V with only 86k. Recently the steering wheel got a little rough to turn. Not hard, but it's as if you hit a rough spot when turning and then all is smooth only to get rough again. Higher speed it's still noticeable but less rough; slower speed more noticeable.

Thinking obstruction or air bubble I drained the fluid and replaced with new (I alway drain reservoir at each oil change). Wasn't the issue.

I'm now lwft with thinking it's the U-Joint. What sya you guys?? And if you think U-Joint as well....what do I need to irder?? Whole unit or is just the joint replacable?

 

Try greasing it with lucas high temp grease. Dont be shy with it. Push it in there as much as you can. Lock the wheels both ways and grease again. Do this a total of three times and see if it helps out. Alot of people have tried other things but the grease has been the most successful that i have read.

 

Damn, I was hoping for more info. I will try the grease but I'm not to sure how you know when it's shot.

 

I will try this 2-day.

 

My mechanic text me...says chances are its the pump. Said he has one coming Monday for an 05 F150 job from last week.

 

Sorry bud I couldnt help out more. After reading what you did to try to fix your issue and leaning towards the knuckle thats the only thing i could think of..

 

U-joint on your steering shaft for sure. Usually the lower joint that goes, as the upper one isnt on much of an angle. Penetrating oil such as thrust will do the trick temporarily, but it will continue to get worse until it either locks up completely or snaps on you. Around $500 labour in to have it replaced.

 

Ah try this. Pop the hood and look at the steering shaft. There is a knuckle about 24" from the firewall, about even with the head of the engine. It looks like a u joint. This knuckle binds up. Hit it with wd40 heavily then start your truck and see if the steering frees up. If so you just have to get the knuckle from the dealership for about $135 and throw it in yourself. It takes about 30 minutes. I just sprayed mine down with the good water resistant wd and its fine for a few weeks at a time. No big deal at all.

It won't snap or lock up on you as long as you keep it lubed. You can even just unbolt it at the joint clean, inspect, and regrease it then bolt it back together. My buddy did that to his 30,000 miles ago and it hasn't acted up since. My mechanic would have done it for $200 including the part but I just threw it in myself. It's a part that should have had a rubber sleeve on it to keep out dirt and moisture. Bad design.

 

As usuall you guys are right!!! Not the pump it is indded the U-Joint. Looks like a weekend project!