Power steering problem

Ibe been stuck a few times now in deep snow. Now my syeering I is stiff as if the wheel wells were packed with snow even though thwy aren't. I have to fill up the power steering fluid after every rime i get stuck also. A leak. But why is the steering stiff now?

 

Does anyone know how to type anymore?

 

Hold on, let me focus in on your truck with my ESP and get back to you within the hour with the answer!

 

Sorry, i was in a hurry and didn't check my spelling. Anyhow, my steering is very stiff. It feels like im stuck in deep snow, but im not. There's no rubbing going on underneath, so what could be making my steering so stiff?

 

If you have to refill the PS fluid, you have a leak and most likely air in the system which essentially prohibits your power steering from working. Fix the leak, bleed out the air out and you will once again have power steering back.

 

Ok. How do i bleed the power steering system? Ive only done brakes. Thanks!!!

 

to bleed it, you just drive slowly in an open space and turn the wheel all the way left ,and all the way right a whole bunch of times
until it stops hissing badly. could take 30-40 turns, but it will eventually be fine

 

Or, like the problem I had, you have a leak on the end of the steering rack. I was adding fluid but it was slowly disappearing...until one day it all came out at once. It had been pooling up in the boots and then they eventually gave way.
Side note, I will never remove and replace a steering rack as long as I live. Man, what a job that was.

 

it goes easier with the engine removed

 

Also, something I don't plan on doing! It sure was a jigsaw puzzle. It was toughest to get it out, not put it back in. Normally, I expect the opposite. I saved a bunch of money but WASTED a lot of time. I'm pretty sure I did learn something though.