Stiffening steering

[David Wheeler]

While driving today I began to notice as I turned the steering wheel to the left it felt like the steering wheel was resisting me. It would turn, but had to hold on with both hands just to be sure I could keep control. Doesn't seem to be resisting if turning to the right. After a right turn the steering wheel doesn't readily return to center as it should. Any experience with this would be appreciated. I do have, and have had for years, a steering box stabilizer (BD I believe). Thanks in advance.

 

[NIsaacs]

When did you change/flush your power steering fluid last? I would start there and I recommend Redline synthetic power steering fluid.

 

[Joe Mc]

Redline is good stuff but like $20/at and from what I've read you'll need 3-5 quarts to properly flush.

I don't think the problem Dave is having relates to power steering. My thought is you either have a ball joint sticking or, more than likely, a axle shaft universal gone south. Best bet is have someone behind the wheel, engine running, cycling the wheel stop to stop while you lay underneath and look at components.

 

[David Wheeler]

When did you change/flush your power steering fluid last? I would start there and I recommend Redline synthetic power steering fluid.

Thank you for the reply, NIsaacs. I will start there and I appreciate your recommendation as well!

 

[David Wheeler]

Redline is good stuff but like $20/at and from what I've read you'll need 3-5 quarts to properly flush.

I don't think the problem Dave is having relates to power steering. My thought is you either have a ball joint sticking or, more than likely, a axle shaft universal gone south. Best bet is have someone behind the wheel, engine running, cycling the wheel stop to stop while you lay underneath and look at components.

Thank you, Joe Mc. I'll be trying this over the weekend too.

 

[Terry]

I had an issue just like this several years ago on my F-350. I turned out to be the steering damper shock, you might try removing it to test if the issue goes away.

 

[NIsaacs]

Redline is good stuff but like $20/at and from what I've read you'll need 3-5 quarts to properly flush.

$12 at Summit or about double the cost of standard fluid. The system only holds one quart, so one quart for flush and one for refill. I also recommend a power steering fluid filter, good stuff.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/red-30404

 

[Joe Mc]

Good info. I just can't see the system being flushed with only 2 quarts, does it only hold 1? Possible but the system also provides hydro boost for braking so if you get air in you'd have a bit of bleeding to get it out. An alternative is to drain reservoir refill run a few minutes turning wheel lock to lock a few times and repeat drain/refill process. That, depending on how many rinse/lather/repeats you do should net 80% or more new fluid.

 

[Chief USA]

Good info. I just can't see the system being flushed with only 2 quarts, does it only hold 1? Possible but the system also provides hydro boost for braking so if you get air in you'd have a bit of bleeding to get it out. An alternative is to drain reservoir refill run a few minutes turning wheel lock to lock a few times and repeat drain/refill process. That, depending on how many rinse/lather/repeats you do should net 80% or more new fluid.

This is what I do at every engine oil change. I figure it is cheap insurance.

 

[NIsaacs]

Now that I am running filters in both Dodges, (the Ford conversion always had a filter) I don't flush anymore, just drain and change filter, then refill. I also run an oil cooler (oem Ford) and aftermarket on the '01, nothing on the '91.