Lately my truck has been hard to steer at low speeds. I notice it happens more once the truck is at operating temperature. There is no issue with the brakes though.

 

I have checked all ball joints and tie rod ends. They're good and tight. Fluid level is full in the reservoir. I do have some slack in steering box. Steering wheel slack is about 11 to 1 o'clock. I got under the truck and took a look around and found a leak between the vacuum pump and steering reservoir.

 

Where should I start from here? I have heard that some slack in steering box is normal? I would assume my vacuum pump needs rebuilt. How can I diagnose a bad steering pump/reservoir? Are they rebuild able or just need to replace it?

 

Best place to buy a vacuum pump rebuilt kit? Any write up's on the removal and rebuild process?

 

Thanks a bunch.

 

 

Try this, I did it on my 02 and it made a big difference in low speed turning effort on dry pavement with a heavy ranch hand bumper up front.

http://westtexasoffroad.homestead.com/powersteering.html