Odd problem with Power steering

[J-MAN]

Noticed this last year and still there. Moving forward, no problem. Backing up, steering is not smooth and feels like it's low on fluid or the belt is slipping. Experts chime in PLEASE! :help:

[Comin' in Hot]

i had a bad belt tensioner that caused hard steering stopped or in parking lot maneuvers

[J-MAN]

That must be it then. Thanks!

[dmjarosz]

I had a bad lower steering shaft knuckle last year. It felt jerky/hard to turn in certain spots. I was thinking bad steering rack or pump until I took the shaft off and the knuckle closest to the exhaust manifold was siezed solid.

[RF Overlord]

^^^what dmjarosz said^^^

That "u-joint" is very close to the exhaust manifold and the grease gets burnt up. Had the same issue with Mary's car a few years ago and soaking it with WD40 put it right. If it happens again, it'll be time for a new one.

[CodeMan]

Just as J-Man, I've been getting the same issues w/ power steering in the past month.

Couldn't find the where the source of the problem was at....So figured it was time to check in with MM.net for some much needed assistance. J-man beat me to it...

As always, thanks for the suggestions and advice everyone!!

CodeMan

[dmjarosz]

Spray that u-joint with some wd-40 or pb blaster or your favoraite penetrant oil as a quick test. The steering feel should temporarily get better after spraying. It will even buy you a few days to fix it the right way.

FYI I tried pressing the old u-joint apart to see if it could be repaired. F that noise!

[J-MAN]

Well.......it's neither the tensioner or U joint. I've got FRPP shorty headers and when in reverse the header on the driver side rocks against the steering shaft rubbing slightly. As this just started last fall I suspect the motor mounts are giving out. Should I have stayed out of boost while in reverse? Was that wrong?

[merc100maker]

I am a new Marauder owner and have much the same problem. No power steering at an idle, tough steering at low speed sometimes. I tried the Wd-40 trick i read about here and it seems like that lower knuckle is what is giving me grief. I looked under the hood of a Grand Marquis and it appears to be the same setup. Went to the Ford dealer and they said it was a different part number - but i think they are idiots. Does anyone know if that steering shaft is the same Marauder - Grand Marquis - Crown Vic - P71?

[dmjarosz]

I had a bad lower steering shaft knuckle last year. It felt jerky/hard to turn in certain spots. I was thinking bad steering rack or pump until I took the shaft off and the knuckle closest to the exhaust manifold was siezed solid.

Well less than a year after replacing the lower steering shaft, the problem has returned. This time its the upper steering shaft. Yay.

At least this ones easier to replace than the lower.

I love the car to death but I never forget its still a Ford product and stupid stuff still goes wrong...

What's next, the rack itself?