Sticky Steering

2005 30k miles. Just bought this a month ago and now experiencing intermitent tough steering. I move the wheel to the left and is hard to move but then it gets easier. Same thing on the right side. Is this the rack failing?

 

I just had my rack replaced on mine but I wasn't having stiffness issues like you described. My rack was leaking which was noticeable under the truck. Below is a picture of mine for reference.

 

It could also be the u joint failing on your intermediate steering shaft. Mine rusted out and I had it replaced.

 

Check your pwr steering fluid level. After I replaced my rack bushings and refilled the system, it occasionally did that until all the air was out of the system.

 

If your system is leaking check the fluid. I put in regular power steering fluid and it leaked out the seals immediately. Once I switched back to what the manual recommended, it stopped leaking. I think it called for atf? Anyway, check fluid level and check for leaks before you think of replacing the rack

 

^^^This. OP, this is a very common issue and there are reports of sudden seizure resulting in loss of control. Your truck is giving you signals, heed them. The only sure fix is to replace the lower intermediate shaft. It is not that difficult IMHO.

 

Thanks for the input. The fluid is at normal levels and there aren't any leaks. Its very clean underneath. Ill check the U joint and intermediate shaft.

 

i had this issue. yes the u joint is failing, no i didnt want to spend hundreds of dollars on a new rack when its only the u joint. turn to the left, crawl under there, and spray the shit out of it with penetrating oil. then once loose, coat it with some oil that will last longer. i just oil it every oil change now, and has been fine

 

exactly what I do, OP