Power Steering Issues

[JeffL]

Hey guys, my truck feels as though it has no pwer steering when sitting in one spot and trying to turn the wheels. I do have over sized tires on, but that really should'nt matter, right. When driving the steering feels fine, but when your stopped and you try to turn the wheel it's almost impossible. Power steering fluid is full, no leaks, and no squeeling. Seems as though everything is working properly, but could the pump possibly be on its way out? Has anyone had a similar problem to this, and any ideas as to why this is happening? Thanks



2003 4x4, QC, SRW, NV5600, Pac Brake, AFE Stage II, Smarty, Leveling Kit

 

[JApol]

I had the same thing when I got my 35" toyo MT's on. I checked everything out and chalked it up to having more rubber on the road and the steering not having the power to move the tires at a stand still.

With about 55,000 on the tires I now have at least one bad tie rod and the 08 steering upgrade sitting in my living room.

 

[Grizzly]

Are your tires badly worn? Do you have low air pressure? Is the power steering reservoir full?

 

[JeffL]

Yes, my tires are pretty bad, and I am currently in the process of odering new ones. The new tires will be BFG All Terrains 315/70/17. Could that possibly be the problem? Also, JApol you say you are upgrading to the 08 tie rods, what is the benefit of that? I also have a bad tie rod end, and if I could put in better ones I would. Thanks

 

[sag2]

This is normal. The hydroboost give priority to the brakes first, steering second. If you put the Miller Pressure and flow tester on the system you will find as soon as you step on the brakes the flow drops and there is not enough left over to move the oversize tires. If the wheels are offset much it just makes it worse. Your choices are loose the tires or get off the brakes. And no, it's not a safety problem as it only occurs if the vehicle is stopped. Let it move only slightly and it steers again.

 

[JApol]

Jeff,
It not just the ends. its the whole package from attaching to the pitman arm to both tie rod ends. Here is a thread with some good info
https://www.turbodieselregister.com...19458-let-s-open-up-steering-issue-again.html

 

[Grizzly]

Yes, my tires are pretty bad, and I am currently in the process of odering new ones. The new tires will be BFG All Terrains 315/70/17. Could that possibly be the problem? Also, JApol you say you are upgrading to the 08 tie rods, what is the benefit of that? I also have a bad tie rod end, and if I could put in better ones I would. Thanks

Yes, badly worn and low tires will cause hard steering. When turning keep the trucking moving slightly as sag2 said.