Power Steering Problems at Low Speeds...

[videoguyjh]

A couple weeks ago I noticed that my power feels as if it cuts out at speeds under 5-10 MPH. The truck drives fine at normal speeds, but when I go to park, it feels like I lose power steering...it gets extremely hard to turn the wheel. Sometimes it's worse than other times. Also, it seems like it doesn't happen if I give it some gas. For example, when I am backing out of a parking spot and I am turning my wheel, it feels as almost the power steering kicks in once I step on the gas. And, sometimes it works perfectly fine without any problems.

I just got my power steering fluid exchanged in August. My guess is that the power steering pump is on its way out...hopefully not, cause that's a costly repair :/

Any thoughts?

[Towncivilian]

Power steering pressre switch may be marginal. I'll look up the testing procedure in the morning for you.

Is the fluid still red and fresh smelling?

[videoguyjh]

Thanks! I appreciate it. I will check the fluid tomorrow and report back.

[videoguyjh]

Just checked my power steering fluid. It appears to be an orange/brown color (as seen below) and it does smell a little burnt (although I don't know what new/clean fluid smells like).

[Towncivilian]

Page EC-703 of the factory service manual describes a test for the pressure switch; you'll need a helper to turn the wheel when you say so in order to test it.

With colder temperatures coming, it may worth a siphon & fill of the fluid in the reservoir with a synthetic ATF for better cold weather performance.

[videoguyjh]

I'll have to do that test and/or bring it in for service when I return home for winter break in a few weeks. Thanks for your help Towncivilian!

[videoguyjh]

UDPATE: It ended up being a bad pump. Got it replaced for $382 (parts & labor). Now its taking turns smoothly!