While driving there is an intermittent hard steering issue?

Good morning, westruck,

How does the serpentine belt look? A worn belt, especially if it is glazed, can cause it to slip and not move the pump.

I have added a picture to help you identify any issues with the belt.

Depending on how old the belt is it may not crack if it's old because it is made from a different material than the older belt used to be. So, try pushing on it and seeing how much it stretches, it should flex more than a half inch or so. Also check the underside and see how deep the ridges are on it. Just like a tire this will tell you how worn the belt is. They make a little plastic tool to check. I will add a picture of it for you.

Let me know what you find.

Thank you,
Brendon

Good morning, westruck,

Okay. Take a flashlight and inspect your fluid. Are there any metal flakes or bubbles in it?

I have added an image for you.

Thank you,
Brendon

Good morning, westruck,

Also, when sitting still with the engine running, move the steering wheel lock to lock. Do you still have the issue, or has it gone away?

Thank you,
Brendon

Hello westruck,

The power steering fluid should be red. Your vehicle takes MERCON V for power steering fluid, transmission fluid. So, I would go get it flushed and get the right fluid in it.

As far as the steering shaft you can disconnect it from the steering gear, make sure to use a marker and draw a line so that you can line it back up the way it came off, and move the universal joints around and see if they are binding. If so, you will need to replace the steering shaft as these universal joints are not serviceable separately.

Thank you,
Brendon

Hello westruck,

I am happy to hear you found the issue. Let me know if it fixes it, if not I am happy to help you look into it further.

Thank you,
Brendon