I just got my truck and there are times when it's really hard to turn the wheel. It will only happen when I'm at a full stop and try to crank the wheel over, like when I'm trying to get into a tight parking spot. I tried revving the engine a little bit but that didn't change anything, as soon as the truck starts rolling it will free up. Is this normal or do I have a problem with the PS pump, steering box or....? Thanks in advance.

 

Have you check the fluid level in the PS pump reservoir? is it at the correct level? what does the fluid look like? Do you have over sized tires? The PS pumps on these trucks are barely adequate to turn stock tires, which is most noticeable when sitting still. Having the pump try to turn larger than designed tires while standing still is even worse.

 

It's not about the fluid. It's the weak steering pump. We all deal with it if we have larger tires or lower air pressure.

Take your foot off the brake if you can and don't fight it. Turn the wheel back slightly and then turn it again to "try again".

We need more steering pump pressure but I haven't taken mine apart to see what can be done about it. Someday.

 

Larger tires do it but stock it should turn.

 

I just have learned to lived with it.

 

As suggested above, you should check the level of your power steering fluid. Mine was pretty low, and when I filled it back up, it made a noticeable (less heavy) difference in steering effort. I'm not sure why it would matter, but it did. Maybe the fluid stays cooler, since there's more of it to circulate? Who knows - I just know it plays a factor in my truck.

Also, when I installed a DSS, that made a noticeable difference in steering effort, too.

But the best thing I did was to get rid of the D-rated 325/70-17 toyo tires I used to have. I put on E-rated 285/75-17 toyos instead - and along with the 2 items above, it now steers just as easy as my Jeep Wrangler. E-rated tires, because of the higher air pressure, have a smaller pavement contact patch, and take much less effort to steer.

 

I do need to put on E rated tires but for now it's 285/70 D rated all terrains. The fluid level is good but I might do a flush just on principle and see if that helps any. It's not all the time, just occasionally, that's what's gets me. Some times I can crank it around no problem at all when I'm sitting perfectly still. I guess I'll just get used to it, maybe take the pump apart and see if there is a spring I can stretch to get more pressure out of the pump.

 

I have the same issue. I call B.S. on the power steering pump. Some times it happens, sometimes it doesn't. I took mine into the dealership and they said the pump is fine. They did want to charge me $3900 to have the problem fixed. When pigs fly!!! I also have a vibration at 90 k/h The dealership also said my front u-joints are sieved and that could be the issue. I'm going to change them and hope I can kill 2 birds.

 

Mine is the same. The wide big tires makes parallel parking a pain in the you know where. I just replaced the track bar bushings which helped some and next will be a fluid top off. Noticed the box is covered pretty good with fluid but that seems to be the norm rather than the exception.

 

DSLRammin: if they wanted to charge you $3900 to fix it what did they say they'd do?

Ramtough: what width tires are you running? I'm guessing 35x12.50?