MAJOR steering problem

[spdy0001]

So my truck starting having very heavy steering a few weeks ago. Then it progressed to not fully returning to straight after a turn. Now tonight I had a scary situation where the tires turned one way and when I turned the steering wheel nothing happened. About 15 seconds later the steering jerked back to meet the tires and I was able to correct it. I got it home but now I dont really want to drive it. I replaced the steering box due to a similar situation about 2 years ago (with a junk yard unit). Truck is riding on almost new 31" AT tires.

Help if you have a suggestion, if not I will have to take it to the shop for a diagnosis:thumbdwn:

 

[Willard]

Is there any leaks? Has the pump ever been replaced? Is the pump noisy? and finally, what does the fluid look like?

Answer these and we can further diagnose. At first I though your pump is failing, but if you were able to turn the steering wheel without the wheels turning, then you have other problems. I would also check out the steering shaft to make sure something isn't binding. But it sounds like the box may be bad. Either that or something with linkage, but I just don't see that making a problem this severe.

 

[spdy0001]

Pump was replaced (junk yard unit) about 6 months ago
Pump is not noisy
Fluid looks good
Leaks a little bit, but not enough to need any added

At first I thought it was the pump as well, but now im thinking steering box. I seriously don't want to go through installing another one of those.

 

[Tbars4]

...Just out of curiosity, have you turned the steering wheel with the engine off before this started to happen???

...This link has some useful steering information...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240227&highlight=agr

 

[nitro71]

You could try backing the adjuster bolt out on top of the steering pump and see if it helps. I wouldn't think it would have tightened up though?

 

[spdy0001]

...Just out of curiosity, have you turned the steering wheel with the engine off before this started to happen???

...This link has some useful steering information...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240227&highlight=agr

I did about 6 months ago, which is why the pump was replaced. It spilled all if its fluid and they leaked after that

 

[spdy0001]

You could try backing the adjuster bolt out on top of the steering pump and see if it helps. I wouldn't think it would have tightened up though?

Where is this adjuster bolt? what does it look like?

 

[spdy0001]

Update for anyone who cares...

Tore the front end apart this past weekend and discovered that the drivers side U-Joint behind the spindle was completely seized. After we got the old one out we discovered that the needle bearings were just dust. Its back together and driving great again, but from the added stress this has been putting on the steering I fear it may have damaged the power steering pump. The pump has now developed a small leak.
I don't drive the truck very much at all this time of year but I plan to replace the U-Joint on the other side before winter hits