2002 power steering trouble

[gwilkrrs]

2002 v8 explorer with 125k. out of nowhere the truck starts being hard to steer then "releases" and turns free. I checked fluid and was full. looked under and rack was damp to slightly showing wet.... fluid (likely original) smelled a bit burnt. I pulled the line off going to the cooler and drained the cooler and the resovior and added new fluid........ now I am trying to determine what is getting ready to fail.....
thoughts to try or look for? thanks.

 

[rocco123]

Air in system? Could also be bad ball joints? If u disconnect tie rods, see if wheels turn easy. Have had bad ball joint make it so steering wheel wouldn't return to center after making a turn. Would have to manually straighten wheel out.

 

[gwilkrrs]

Air in system? Could also be bad ball joints? If u disconnect tie rods, see if wheels turn easy. Have had bad ball joint make it so steering wheel wouldn't return to center after making a turn. Would have to manually straighten wheel out.

I will check those as well thanks!

 

[20EddieBauer02]

Sounds like the rack is failing. If it was the pump it would be a consistent drag.

My ranger did the same thing back in the day, we flushed it and it worked for a while. Might try draining again, filling, work wheels a few turns and repeat until fluid stays red.

If that doesn't do it then I'd be looking for a new steering rack.

 

[dla]

Is your belt squealing?

Also, the belt can slip after going through a puddle.

 

[gwilkrrs]

Is your belt squealing?

Also, the belt can slip after going through a puddle.

no squeeling I don't think the belt is slipping
pretty sure bad-old fluid and a weak rack