I have a 05 5.4 4x4 and the steering is stiff / sluggish. It is only noticeable at slow turns and once it warms up it feels ok. Had new lower ball joints installed but it was doing this before that. I have also replaced the drive belt.
Is this a power steering pump going bad, need fluid flushed, or is the rack and pinion going out?

Thanks for any help.

 

Does your power steering pump whine when you turn the wheel? Notice any leaks under area? Usually rack and pinion will leak if its failing. Check the knuckle on steering shaft. Notorious for seizing and making for stiff steering.

 

Its the steering shaft, from the wheel to the rack. It has 2 knuckle joints on it. Take the shaft out and lube it up and move it around to get it free.

 

The pump does not whine and i have not seen any leaks. I will lube the knuckle joint.