Steering wheel suddenly won't return to center and requires constant attention while on the road. No funny noises from the power steering pump, fluid level is fine and rest of front end seems okay. I haven't removed the steering stabilizer yet, could be that. Any other ideas/experience?

 

Is it in 4wd? How many miles? What were you doing the last time it was working well?

 

Sounds like a valve in steering box gone bad.

 

Nope, it's in 2wd. 16k miles. I use the truck for work, city/urban driving. Friday afternoon it just started feeling "heavy" with the symtomps described.

 

I don't think it sounds like an issue with the power assist. First thing I'd look for is a bent steering damper.

 

Check your power steering cap.See if it is still there. Have your brakes acted sluggish at all? Not re-turning to centre seems to be the symptom of a bad pump.

 

Not returning to center is a bad steering box.Not pump.At least thats what I've always seen.A valve in the box.Pump has NO clue to right/left or center.

 

They replaced the power steering pump on my truck for the exact thing. Wheel wouldn't return to centre sluggish steering, but I also had poor braking to the point that the brakes would catch and release all on their own while making a loud poping sound.
When does this happen, how long of driving. IE after 1 hr driving, 15mins etc. Reason why I ask is some of these pumps had a problem of boiling their fluid. But this only happened after an hour or more of operation. Hope you get it figured out.