Power steering issues

Any common issues on these trucks
4 banger 5 speed. My power steering feels like it goes out every now an then. Steering is hard and jerky. But then fine later

 

First check the fluid level and color. If low, top off. If the fluid is dark, perform a flush.

You could have air in the system. Usually from a leaking line. Sometimes a line can take in air, but won't leak much fluid out. I'd start with the 2 lines that go to the reservoir.

Last thing it could be the pump or the rack and pinion. Good luck.

 

Check the intermediate steering shaft with the u-joint. They're a known issue, the u-joint starts to freeze up making steering difficult sometimes, easy others.

Edit: spray the crap out of it with pb blaster or another penetrating lubricant. If the problem goes away for a while, you've found your issue. Replace it, don't just keep spraying it.

 

This. Fluid Film works good too I find, though mine was never too bad to begin with.

 

Yup^ that was going to be my suggestion as well.