power steer

[kenpack1]

:help:I have had trouble with the power steering and belive it to be from the rack + pinion. There is a lot of resistance when turning either directio and an ocasional 'knock' from down under and through the steering wheel. I have had the 'mogator' since 03 and has a whopping 130 K on it.
So for I have evacuated the PS fluid and replaced with new, to no avail.
Anyone have any pointers?:help:

[ntd]

If possible you will need to do a module selftest on the Vaps module to see if there are any codes stored. Check steering assist at idle does steering assist change when turning from right lock to left lock, would most likely be a rack but these cars also have had problems with the Vaps module. If it doesn't change assist level at bring engine up to 2500 rpm's and recheck steering effort. If it get easier replace the pump to do that you will need a pulley remover/installer. Also check the steering shaft u-joint by unbolting it from the rack and moving it by hand. I have seen them freeze up before any questions just let me know

[kenpack1]

i have raised the idle to about 2000 rpm and no significant change was felt at the s-wheel. I do not know the 'vaps module' i can tell you that i can move the s-wheel about an inch with OK assist, anymore than that and it feels like no power assist at all. I also feel some bumping up through the column when i have to steer hard and quick.
Thanks for your help NTD.

[ntd]

i have raised the idle to about 2000 rpm and no significant change was felt at the s-wheel. I do not know the 'vaps module' i can tell you that i can move the s-wheel about an inch with OK assist, anymore than that and it feels like no power assist at all. I also feel some bumping up through the column when i have to steer hard and quick.
Thanks for your help NTD.
If the rpms have no affect you can pretty much rule out the pump. I would check the steering shaft u-joint by unbolting it from the rack and moving it by hand should flex freely . But if the steering assist changes when turning it from full right to full left I would suspect the rack but the vaps module could also cause the same problem. The vaps module control the level of steering assist dependant on speed and driver input. Idealy you should selftest the vaps to see if you have any codes. But you will have to have a scan tool that is capible of reading Ford specific codes as I don't beleave a generic code reader will pull codes on the vaps system. If your in the metro detriot area I can help you ?

[ntd]

kenpack1 just wondering if you diagnosed your problem