My truck steers fine as long as the truck is moving, but sitting still on pavement it won't hardly turn. I have to let it roll a little bit or its really hard to turn. Is this normal? Truck has about 17,000 miles on it and has been like that since new. Everything looks fine visually. Thanks!

 

I haven't driven an 04, but generally speaking, that's not normal. Should be covered by warranty.

 

I may have to take it and get it checked out. This usually occurs in tight parking lots. I can feel the pressure on the pump thru the steering wheel when this happens. Take my foot off the brake and let it roll and you can turn it pretty easy. I thought maybe with all that weight up front it might be normal. Probably puts a pretty load on the PS pump. Thanks for reply

 

I would start by draining the power steering pump and flushing it. I would try that first... Alot of people here suggest Syn. Steering fluid to help that problem...

 

I'd let warranty deal with it, could be as simple as a low idle.
If I'm not mistaken the '04s take ATF in the power steering, would advise against syn PS fluid.

 

Sounds right Bill. They switched to ATF+4, which I think is already semi-synthetic.

 

You have described the exact problem my truck had and has. I tried switching to synthetic - no change. I added the Lucas power steering additive - it did help a little.

I did notice that the inability to turn the wheel was far worse if I had my foot on the brakes at the same time. The last post I read on the subject suggested that it's the hydrstatic pump that's causing the weakness in the power steering. Someone said there's a screen that might need to be cleaned off and it might get better. I haven't had the time to investigate it anymore. If you find a fix, I'd love to hear about it!