have a '00 150 lariat 4x4 flareside, 26k on the clock, factory tires/rims, no mods done to the truck. Have noticed this winter that I am feeling somewhat more resistance in the steering wheel when making a right hand turn at an intersection, and just in general it seems, PSI is good, no leaks coming from under the hood, etc., tire wear is good. I have not have the alignment checked since buying new, but tire wear is good in my opinion. Did add some pwr steering fluid a while back, but nothing significant in my mind. Can a P/S pump just get weak, or can it "act" weak if cold. Its' been a little colder than normal but not that much to really be a factor. Live in SE TN. Could the sidewalls of the tires be the cause??? No damage to the tires etc. with casual inspection. Any ideas or suggestions before I deal with the dealer???????

 

It's probably just the power steering fluid being cold. Like most lubricants it becomes more viscous (flows more slowly) in colder weather. Between the power steering fluid and what little grease may be in steering components that would most likely account for the resistance.

If you have'nt done it yet you might try to grease the idler arm. The other front end components dont have grease fittings but you can improvise with a grease needle if you care to try.

Good luck.

 

It might be the tires...

I had a similar experience and found out the inside edges of the front tires were cupped, from lack of rotations. After rotating them, my tire noise went away AND the steering was easier to turn.

BTW, just looking at the tires, they looked OK to me...