My truck fx4 5.4, crew. At 104k

It's pretty cold outside under 20's

I'm not sure if it's causes by cold.

The steering wheel is a bit stiff to turns left/right but it will return to center slow

I feel like there's very low psi in tire up front.

I checked the fluid it's full.

How to check rack and pinion??

I have see there's common report about lower shaft.

I could see it's very rust at joints area and I used white grease spray it but didn't help that !UCH.

Your advice will be helpful.

Thanks

 

the lower shaft u joints binding is common. remove the shaft and check the joints. 2 bolts and its off. i replaced a lot of them over the years when i worked at ford dealer.

 

OP.

To add the above, here's a How-To:

https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...t-04-08-a.html

MGD

 

Thats what i figured after searched

Figured ill just go ahead and buy new part since its over 100k and is my daily driver

What brand is good to buy?

Kind of want avoiding stealership prt dept due to cost

Thank you

 

Call Tasca or PM the Tasca rep with your VIN to get wholesale pricing on OEM parts.

 

My steering has been getting tight the last few days. After doing some research on a couple forums I went home and sprayed the steering shaft u-joints with some WD-40. It confirmed that the shaft needed replaced. I ordered this, this morning. Thanks for the help.... http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/181210052512?item=181210052512&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466&rmvSB=true

 

There was also a TSB out for vehicles in cold-climates. The power steering hoses and become compromised and cause difficulty turning.

 

Funny you say that, my first thought was the pressure hose was closing in on itself because of the cold. No leaks, fluid level was good, pump wasn't whining, belt not slipping....that's all I could come up with.

 

http://tsb.govwebs.com/5-vin-v854l-p...006-16262.html

TSB 7-21-3

 

Had this problem with my 2005 F150 XLT. ordered the part at carid.com, $148 US +35.25 shipping ($219 canadian) Dealer wanted $500 + tax. Delivered to my door by UPS with additionaal duty tax of $34 canadian. Steering now is great !! I live in NB, canada

 

Had the same problem with my '09. I did a full, (as much as physically possible anyways) fluid swap and it fixed my problem. Probably wouldn't hurt to do anyways if you haven't already.

 

Changed the shaft earlier this week, steering turns is smooth as butter now.

 

x2. I exchanged my fluid out when I did a brake fluid swap & bleed, both felt a little better afterwards, and clean fluid in the reservoir looks healthier to the eye also. Peace at mind.