The power steering on my truck isn't working properly. The steering is modestly hard to turn and the steering doesn't return to straight after making a turn without a little extra help. The best way I know to describe the steering is it feels kind of "sticky", kind of like driving in sand or fresh blacktop. I am supposed to leave on a 1,000 mile trip tomorrow. Given that it is the weekend there is not much chance of getting it fixed at a dealership. Any suggestions on what I might do to fix it? Thanks for any advice you might have.

 

Sounds like a steering box problem.Valves or gear sticking internaly.

 

Hounddog, you think it would be a good idea to flush the power steering system? I also thought it might be something restricting a valve.

 

If its easy to do you could try it.Don't know if it would fix anything or not.Yours is rack and pinion.By chance have you hit anything? Or anything hit a wheel hard? Eaither way it sounds like a gear box problem not a powersteering pump problem.

 

Check the fluid level. Probably not your problem but it doesn't cost anything to check it. Always start with the basics.

Try your tilt steering column in different positions and see if that helps.

After that, I'd study the shaft running down your steering column and out into the engine compartment for anything rubbing against it.

 

Checked the fluid level, tire pressure (at least 55psi for the front) and may need a front end alignment. I noticed my truck steered much better after getting an alignment.

MikeyB

 

Found a garage that would look at my steering problem. They said some part was failing in the steering box. They said there is a lot of metal in the power steering fluid. Problem is they don't have a replacement part in stock and will have to order it. Will be Monday before the part arrives. Guess I will have to wait to make my return trip home. Not to crazy about sitting in a motel for a couple of days. Thanks for your suggestions. I can always count on people at this site to give good advice.

 

Have them flush the system really good. Hopefully the hydroboost system isn't damaged from the contamination.

MikeyB

 

Mine started out hard to steer shortly after that small leak detected had dealer replace steering pump so far so good.

 

New gear box and pump were installed under warranty. Steering is back to normal. Work was done by Napleton's Dodge in Kissimmee, Florida. Napletons seems to be an excellent dealer. Although I was from out-of-town, they did everything they could to get my truck fixed so that I could continue on my trip. Also, they diagnosed the problem correctly, without repeat visits, and did an excellent job of making the repairs. In addition, they were very polite. Over the years, I have had a lot of experiences with the service departments of car dealers, and the vast majority of those experiences were mediocre to bad. It is really nice to deal with a dealer that seems to care and does good work.

 

I was in for an alignment at a wheel and alignment shop 2 weeks ago and the service manager said they have seen 3-4 Dodges that have had a similar problem. He said the problem is noticed when turning one direction. Apparently, the valves used in the power steering system are rather cheap and are failing. If they replace with a higher quality valve, the problem goes away.

 

Thanks for the information OR4ster. I sure hope the replacement parts they put on my truck had the better valves. My truck drove great for the first 20K miles and then all of a sudden the steering became had to steer in either direction and the steering was hard to return to center after going around a turn. After the repair the truck drives great again; hopefully, it won't fail again in a few thousand miles.