So a few months back I had a strange grinding noise coming from the steering wheel area, it sounded like the spring was spinning. I took it apart a dozen times and never could figure out what the problem was. The spring was under compression and didn't appear to be the problem when I took it apart. That went on for a month or so then just stopped.
Then for a spell, there felt like some grinding right at the top of the steering column but it felt and sounded different than the previous situation.
Next, what I would call a 'flat spot' or sticking point showed up. It seems to be in the same spot every time, meaning when I turn the wheel it would be about a half rotation (180*) from straight, it would stick then move past it and it would feel fine. Then out of no where it just stopped.
Now, just a few minutes ago, I made a 90* turn and after I straighten up it was like the steering was locked up, or like the power steering went out, maybe 10 seconds went by and everything seems fine.
I doubt all issues are due to a single problem, any ideas?
Strange steering issues with power steering
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luke-ao
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sargentrs
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Re: Strange steering issues with power steering
Lower column bearing? How's your cab mounts? Rag joint?
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
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redstone65
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Re: Strange steering issues with power steering
During that 10 seconds did you do anything to free it up or did you not touch it and it cleared up by itself?
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Busboy
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Re: Strange steering issues with power steering
It sounds to me like you are losing all assist either due to the pump giving out,(belt slipping?) or the steering gearbox has a groove in the cylinder that is allowing an internal bypass situation. Unless you can connect a pressure gauge and catch the problem when it happens, your pretty much going to have to eliminate other issues and take an educated guess as to the cause of the problem. My guess is the gearbox.
1967 F-100 4x4 custom cab.
Another 67 F-100 4x4 custom cab.
2016 F-150 Eco-Boost 2.7 liter. (It will smoke the tires!)
1972 F-350 Sport Custom cab & chassis.
1972 F-250 Explorer Special, Camper Special.
1971 F-100 custom. 302, C-4, p.s. p.b. factory 65 amp alternator with transistorized voltage regulator.
Another 67 F-100 4x4 custom cab.
2016 F-150 Eco-Boost 2.7 liter. (It will smoke the tires!)
1972 F-350 Sport Custom cab & chassis.
1972 F-250 Explorer Special, Camper Special.
1971 F-100 custom. 302, C-4, p.s. p.b. factory 65 amp alternator with transistorized voltage regulator.
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luke-ao
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Re: Strange steering issues with power steering
I do have a bad cab mount on the drivers side, before I worry much further about it, I should do repair that first. I can see how that would produce binding problems. I actually have the parts to do the repair it's just hard to take it off the road long enough to do the repair. Thanks for the suggestions..