Steering Issue

[CodySvo]

I've been having an issue here lately with my steering. At higher speeds when turning the steering wheel seems to pull back straight, it almost feels as if the steering is catching and grabbing. I do have a power steering leak at the pressure hose, could this somehow cause the problem. It's only a slight leak, I have a new power steering pump to put on the car. Could it be the power steering rack causing the issue? I've had the front suspension checked and they said everything checked out alright, I'm gonna check it at work this week though to make sure.

[DaveS]

I'd start by replacing the pressure hose that is leaking; you know it's bad and it certainly won't hurt your problem. I'd also recommend checking your steering coupler (also called rag joint)...if it were bad, it would probably be evident at lower speeds, but won't hurt to check. I've had good luck with the poly couplers http://www.npdlink.com/store/products/mustang_insulator_repair_kit_steering_joint_coupler-148815-2812.html
What alignment specs are you using? Excessive toe-in could make your car behave like you've described.

[CodySvo]

I've replaced the rag joint so it's new, also as far as alignment goes I'm not sure. I'm gonna have it checked tomorrow at work and see how bad off it is. I'm gonna buy some caster camber plates because my car was lowered by the previous owner, but doesn't have caster camber plates unfortunately. Would a bad alignment cause it to happen at higher speeds mostly though, I can slightly notice it at lower speeds but it becomes worse at higher speeds. The car also seems to wander a lot, If I'm on the left side of the road on a four lane then it pulls to the left and when on the right side it pulls to the right is that bumpsteer? I don't know much when it comes to steering and suspension but I'm eager to learn. It only just started to happen not to long ago though, that's why I thought maybe it was something to do with the power steering, also if sitting still and you turn the steering wheel a certain distance either way and hold it then it does the same thing like it's slipping almost. I'll get a video of it tomorrow to show better what it's doing. Or could this simply be the power steering pump going bad causing the pressure to drop and then pick back up when turning?

[Ford Builder]

I would check your outer Tie rod's you may have bad one .

[DaveS]

I've had the front suspension checked and they said everything checked out alright, I'm gonna check it at work this week though to make sure.

You're probably right doing a double check...Ford Builder has a good point, outer (or inner tie rods) could cause the darting you're experiencing.

[CodySvo]

Everything checks out just fine. I have also noticed that lately when turning the wheel to the left its harder than when turning it to the right. That's when sitting at a stop and when driving which leads me to think it's something to do with power steering not suspension. It feels as if the power steering is surging, it does it when turning either way but is worse when turning right, and like I said it even does it at idle when sitting stil.