I'm trying to figure out what exactly is acting up in my power steering system. I've noticed in the past couple of weeks there is a hard spot in my steering. i'll turn it about 1/4 of a turn to either the left or the right and there is a bit more resistance. If i let go of the wheel coming out of a turn the wheel will hang up on the hard spot and keep turning instead of straightening out. The powersteering pump whines alot offroad but doesnt make much noise on the road, any ideas if this is my PS pump or the steering rack?

When my rack was bad the first time it had a stiff spot on either side. My rack is now leaking again(15K later :rolleyes: )and is starting to shudder.

Damn I didnt want to hear it was my rack, i just replaces it about 3 months ago. I used the one from my other explorer, i dont even want to think about what they go for new.

I found remanufactured ones at http://www.fordpartstore.com for $115-$125 for the complete rack.

125 isnt bad, i'll have to look into that. I dont suppose there is anyway its the PS pump thats causing the problem? i doubt it is, it doesnt really seem like it would be a problem with the PS pump anyway.

Doug, this could be a long shot, but it happened to me. I had the little tiny u joint in the steering shaft go bad on mine, right above where it hooks on the rack. I had to take the shaft off everyonce in a while and grease the heck out of it. It just gets nasty with all the mud and water, plus my boot was busted off of it.

I replaced 2 PS pumps and 1 rack and then i found the real problem. Could be your problem too. But if you need a rack i've got one i'd give ya good price on.

I don't know if this will help you or not. My PS was acting a tight at times; it was not as bad as yours as mine would return back out of a turn. It did have hard spots. I tried some LUCAS PS conditioner it was about $12.00 at AZ, I think it was a 12oz bottle, just enough to fill the reservoir from empty. I put it in about 1700 miles ago have not had the symptoms again. May be worth a try.

Thanks josh, i'll check that out tomorrow but i kind of doubt thats the problem but it's worth a shot. I'll also give the lucas oil stabilizer a shot.

Well my powersteering problem went away... i was down @ the shore and well it stopped. I'm not gonna hold my breath but i'm thinking maybe my truck needed to go on vacation. :P

It's possessed. Call an exorcist!!!














Or....it could be from that big 'ol mudpuddle @ Paragon that tried to swallow your buggy :D. maybe the p/s system got a little of that good PA clay into it.