Hey gang, I've a 2001 Off-Road Sport 1500 Quad Cab 4x4 with the 5.9L. Whenever I'm stopped or driving very slowly such as pulling into a parking place, the steering seems very stiff and the wheel is hard to turn. When it's doing anything over 5mph the power steering seems ok. I've tried revving the engine while turning the wheel and there still isn't any difference.

I've checked the PS pump for leaks (none) and the level is right where it should be. I've had PS pumps go bad on other vehicles in the past, but usually they will make odd noises when it happens. The serpentine belt is fairly new and isn't slipping either. I've also tried "burping" the system by removing the cap and turning the wheel from side to side several times.

Not to sound like I'm a kid (I'm 43), but my parents have a 1999 1500 4x4 QC that you can spin the steering wheel with your little finger. I know that my OFF-ROAD package has different springs and an extra factory lift versus the normal 4x4's. I also remeber reading somewhere that the package also has a slightly different steering ratio.

So my question is:

Is the hard steering a normal trait with the OFF-ROAD package or am I experiencing a mechanical defect?

 

mine is kindof hard to spin too when not moving.. could just be the whole sold front axle thing along with the steering stablizer bigger/wider tires.. or even heavier wheels and tires would make it that much harder though.. im running 35's now and it takes some effort to turn.. but you should always remember to be moving when turning the wheel anyway because thats really not that good on the steering linkage/gearbox/powersteering and all to put that much strain on it

 

I would say that you might have a valving problem with your steer gear or with your ps pump.


Good luck.

 

I am having the same problem with my 1996 1500.
I flushed the powersteering fluid and it seemed to help a little bit.
I also find that the steering is a little jerky on the road.
I am looking for an answer as well.
I was going to replace the gearbox and ps pump but I am not sure that will correct the problem.
I just replaced the ujoints in the front end and put a new steering stabelizer on the front with a front end alligement as well.
This did not correct the problem just to let you know.

 

Low air pressure in the tires will slow it down. That time of year, cooler weather, time to check them.

 

Yesterday I replaced the steering stabilizer and it still didn't correct the problem. I figured that I would replace it first as it is the cheapest part to replace (OEM $42 @ NAPA) and besides the truck has 110K so it was probably due.

I also used my Mighty-Vac and sucked out most of the fluid in the pump and replaced with fresh fluid. Still no change....[:@] I'm not running over-sized tires and low tire pressure was one of my earliest ideas too, but the psi is correct.

The pump sounds just fine, but if the high pressure line or a valve was stuck, wouldn't the pump make a lot more noise?

 

I am having the same problem I went and changed the powersteering fluid and the ps pump is working fine I think that I have pinpointed my problem to the steering box. do you get any pulling or looseness on the road when you are driving?

Also see the thread steering box wo's that is posted that might help you out as well

 

it is most likely the power steering pump. they dont have to make any noise or do anything noticable to be bad.
my steering used to be perfect, then i broke my ps box and ran the pump dry for a couple days. after i fixed the box, i started having steering problems at idle. right now it is very tough to turn while idling, but if i rev it up at all the effort required drops quite a lot.

pumps are also fairly cheap, i believe under $50.

 

If your turning 38's with a factory steer gear, it's gonna feel like the steering is tough. Probably the faster you go, the easier it is.


Good luck with your ride.

 

The truck drives down the road straight as an arrow and it doesn't to seem to have any wandering problems. Believe me, I know what a wandering or jerking steering is like as I used to own a '84 Ramcharger with the infamous steering shaft coupler!!!

I took an extended drive around town today and it does seem like the steering is a little too stiff even when turning a corner. It doesn't make any difference if I'm turning left or right, so I'm thinking it may be the PS pump. But, before I replace that too is there any other indication that might point towards the gear box?

Thanks again for any suggestions. I know that I'm sounding like I'm trying to go cheap on this repair, but with Christmas and losing nearing $20K on a house we just sold, money is fairly tight in our household right now! I was planning on buying a Gen 3 Cummins next summer, but I think I'll be driving this truck for at least a couple more years!