hard than easy steering?

[drytoast]

Hi guys, I'm new here and I have a question on my steering. First of all I have 72 bump explorer package 302 w/a C4 auto trans ,power steering and brakes with 53,000 miles. Anywho I'll be driving down the road and my steering get real stiff, when I make a hard right corner into a driveway or at a red light it steers with ease.Sometimes I can go a day or two before this happens again. The only thing I've changed on it is the drag link. Did I overtighten the nuts on the drag link? The power steering pump doesn't whine or grind. What gives? Please help. Thanks Drytoast

[spartman]

SOunds like it could be dry grease fittings, or possibly air in your pump.

Or could even be low power steering fluid level.

Some stuff to get you started.

[drytoast]

The fluid is up the grease zerks all took grease rather well. So how do I burp a PS pump?

[Shannon Thigpen]

Take a good look at the king pins. I had a 76 f100 that had a very similar prob. What i found on that one was the king pin was binding up. also check to make sure your enter link isnt binding also. good luck

[wt4speed#2]

The fluid is up the grease zerks all took grease rather well. So how do I burp a PS pump?

Although the zerks took grease doesn't alway mean a lot. jack it up and secure on stands to get the weight off the king pins , grease top and bottom turn it all the way to the steering stops in one direction. this will open access to the axle eye(where the pin goes through the axle ) on the front on one side and the rear on the opposite. Smack don't tap the axle eye on both right and left side. Now turn in opposite direction to full stop and repeat. Repeat greasing process (still on jack stands) . If this make a difference you might be ok if no noticeable difference you've a gaulded king pin bushing and probably need replacing

[drytoast]

Thanks I'll try that and see what happens. I've heard king pin replacement is a real pain. drytoast

[drytoast]

Hi guys thanks for the replies. Found out my front cab mounts were rusted and bringing the cab down making it hard to steer. fixed it the redneck way(boards between cab and frame) for now until I get some new cab mounts. Thanks again todd