2008 f150 4x4 lariat 5.4L 6 in Rcx lift 35x12.50 nittos. At this point I'm on my 3rd power steering pump and my 2nd set of tie rods. The power steering is a little weak during normal driving but when moving slow or at a stop I have pretty much no power steering at all. The current pump whines louder than my exhaust is and I have no clue what to do. Is there any type of aftermarket pump that's stronger or just something else I can do to fix all my issues?

 

What have you been using for fluid? The best stuff to use is a full synthetic ATF that meets Mercon V specs.

 

I've tried a couple different types. I think it's just a mechanical issue or something. I don't know much about the steering system in these trucks

 

If any of those "couple of types" were not Mercon V, you've got some work to do. Regular power steering fluid is very damaging to these steering systems.

Pull the boot off the rack on both sides. If you see fluid in them, replace the rack in addition to the pump. If no fluid, try flushing the power steering with Mercon V. If that doesn't work, replace the pump.

 

Ok I'll go buy that specific stuff and like I said I've replaced a couple things. Thanks for the input guys

 

You should be able to find this at Walmart - it's what I use in my power steering:

 

Could just changing the fluid really fix all these problems?

 

Probably not, but worth a shot before throwing parts at it. Skip the high-dollar fluids for now. Odds are it would be wasted when the pump and/or rack has to be changed.

No additives, mystery fixes in a can, etc. Just plain Mercon V. Flush all the old crap out. Before doing that, check inside the rack & pinion boot for fluid leaking.

 

I'll check it out. The 2nd pump I had leaked. Also noticed the steering rod turns a lot before the wheels ever move. Just seems to be struggling and I've had 3 people look at it and just replace the stock pump with the same stock pump

 

If the steering input shaft has slop, you may have found the problem...