I drive my truck and I have been noticing that the steering feels almost non-responsive? Or like the front end steering components (execpt steering wheel) wanders. There doesn't seem to be any freeplay.

Driving around today I notice for the first time after making a turn the truck didn't try and straighten itself out when I let go of the wheel. It kept making a turn. Ya know when the steering wheel will spin the opposite direction by itself? Never noticed this before where I had to turn the wheel the oposite way.

Am I just loosing my mind or is this normal?

Thanks

 

I should have added I have checked the p/s fluid and it is on the full mark.

 

Mine started acting the same way last year, and pump was getting a growl to it.

changed the atf+4 in it and all has been great----it just gets worn out after a while

 

I suppose w/132,000 miles it will do that. Is it difficult to do? I would like to do it myself and save a few hundred bucks, would any special tools be needed.

Is there any certain brand I should look for? Auto parts store is getting $60 + $25 for core and it also says to replace the filter at $22.



Thanks

 

I don't think there is a filter in the power steering. What core? It's unlikely the pump is bad, although it could be. Your description sounds more like an alignment issue, specifically the caster.

 

Could also be the rack and pinion internally giving out. With no component ply like in the BJs and wheel bearings, good pressure on the pump and a good alignment, the R&P is where i would look next

 

Talked to a local alignment shop, first thing he said was ball joints. is there a way to diagnoise that?

 

They should have shown it to you if they feel the BJs are bad. But you can lift the truck and pull the tires back and forth and up and down.

 

My bad. I just made a phone call to them. I was wondering if there was something I could do to check them before I spend more money.

Thanks

 

The fluid change is fairly straight forward, just makes a real mess and you need 2 people to do it.

As far as the pump goes, I wouldn't immediately condemn the pump

You don't have a rack, if your driving a 2500 it should be a reticulating ball type with a solid front axle.

As far as I know, there is no filter either.

I suggest you get your hands on a factory service manual (FSM), to see answers to your questions, as it explains it way better than I can do here.

I believe Weed may have on you can download for free.

If you do opt to change the fluid, use a good quality synthetic from royal purple, of mobil one or amsoil, they're better quality and last longer

As far as Ball Joints, have the shop SHOW you that they are in fact worn out, and loose. They can be a real PIA to do yourself. You can get the press at advance auto for free rental, but $180 deposit. The ball joints can be anywhere from 0 degree up to 1-1/2 degree offset for alignment correction

If you're mechanically challenged---let the shop do them