Power steering issues

Hey ya'll wonna pick ur brain... I'm having some power steering problems. I am no master mechanic but for the most part I work on my own stuff....but my question is my power steering works well when It wants to... I took the reservoir thinking it maybe clogged nope clean as a whistle so my thinking is it has to be the pressure sensor or the pump itself..anyone have anything like this happen thanks in advance

 

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/UglyHollowAphid-small.gif

 

What does "works well when it wants to" mean?

 

Any leaks anywhere? Is the pump quiet? Is the fluid foamy?

 

check steering knuckle some need to be sprayed

 

Full..I drove it for a couple days w/o power steering back and forth to work then the weekend came and no problems till the Monday and stopped working again.......and as far as the pump no weird sounds fluid looks normal and I dont see any leaks

 

Probably needs a pump

 

Well hopefully it dont but on the 4 banger it dont look hard to switch out I already ordered the sensor so I guess I'll start there when it gets here

 

The sensor doesn't keep the system from working. It just tells the pcm to bump the idle up a few rpms so the pump will spin faster. It really only comes into play when your not moving. Like getting into a parking space or when you're stationary

 

As above. It is just a pressure switch.

 

I should of add this when ur drive I'll go to turn and it will b rough like it ain't working then all a sudden it like kicks in and I'll have it for a sec then its gone

 

Check your intermediate shaft joint as mentioned.
Should be visible drivers side above axle.
Turn wheels hard left and take a look at the joint.
Mine was lacking return to center and kinda stayed where it was pointed.
Hit it with pb blaster then grease.
Worth a shot and common on our trucks.
Mine felt sloppy after but was replaced during frame swap.

 

Right on thanks guys

 

Slipping or worn drive belt?

 

Welcome to TW by the way!

 

Thanks

 

If it is the lower intermediate shaft. Replace it as if it breaks you will not be able to steer.

 

Well that's awesome nothing major to worry about

 

Some guy did a write up on how to rebuild the steering shaft