I recently purchased an 07 Extra Cab FX4 4x4 F150 and on the test drive it was fine. after about 2 days of light driving. I drive about 7 miles a day round trip for work. The steering got hard like the power steering pump went out.. I checked it and it was low on fluid but no where near empty but filling the power steering fluid made the steering harder... and now it basically acts like its got no power steering unless its rolling. I mentioned it to the parts store guy and he said something about the u-joint on the steering column and asked if the power steering feels like its working during hard turns at slow speeds and having to correct back hard.. Which my truck is doing... Any ideas? Should mention that the pump is spinning I do have pressure in the lines and no leaks.

Also Worlds smallest transmission leak but I'm honestly not sure how to check the fluid in this truck.. In Park at idle? or in neutral at idle?

 

Park at idle, fully warmed up.

 

There are 2 u-joints on the steering column between where it comes through the firewall and the rack. I soaked them with a penetrating oil and worked the wheel back and forth on the '04 I had, and after a few applications they loosened up. If they stay bound up you can replace the shaft with the joints.

 

I have the same issue with the steering, it's the u-joints in the steering shaft as stated.

I'm living with it for now until spring, I hate working in the cold.

My friends call me popeye.

 

what is fully warmed up.. How many miles do i need to drive. since engine warm isn't transmission fluid warm..


Thank you guys.. I knew about the one completely spaced that there would be a second one out of sight.

 

if you end up buying a new steering shaft please post if you find a good deal somewhere i'm in the market as well.

 

10 miles.

 

thank you!!