Since the weather has dropped below zero, I've noticed that when I get on the gas, my steering "freezes up" and becomes extremely stiff. If I tap the gas hard and give the wheel a jerk it usually free's up again right away. Has anyone else experienced this problem, any known fixes?

Edit add: 2004 F150 FX4 with the 5.4 litre engine. I have just rolled 29K on the truck.

 

you checked your power steerling fluid???

29K on a 04'.. Damn man drive your truck haha! JK

 

Power Steering fluid is at full capacity.

 

Any one have any ideas? I'm at a loss. Wondering if anyone else had similar problems.

 

I wonder if the belt is slipping on the ps pump.

 

Do you happen to know the recommended mileage to change the belt out? I'm almost at 30K. Or could it be the PS Pump itself?

 

i think the extremely low temps have a lot to do with it.

 

I guess my main concern is the safety issue. I was just hoping that there was some quick fix possibly found from someone else having a similar problem. If all else fails I guess I'll have to take it to the dreaded dealership. lol

 

LOL, I was deployed and it sat for 7 months. I think my wife put maybe 300 miles on it the whole time I was gone. LOL.

 

just move south