Power steering pulling back and forth

[IrishChamp]

This started a few months ago but went away and now it's back.
The power steering seems to not respond properly, after coming out of a turn it tends to want to go further in what ever directing your turning before it starts going the new direction. It doesn't fight what I'm doing it just goes a fraction too far in each direction. Coming out of a corner it's hard to get it going perfectly straight; it keeps going a fraction too far so I correct the other way then it goes back and forth, back and forth, as I correct then it corrects again. It doesn't cause any serious danger but it's very strange.

[chrislib]

Possibly an outer u-joint at the knuckle seizing.

[IrishChamp]

I had the rear u joints replaced last year, should have had them look at the front too.

Possibly an outer u-joint at the knuckle seizing.

[Richie O]

I agree. A bad axle joint will cause feedback in the wheel. If that is the problem fix it soon or you will be looking for an inner and outer axle shaft. I worked on a buddies truck today ( one of my old cummins ) putting in a starter and noticed his was bad too. I thought when I sold the truck a couple years back I was done working on it, guess not.

[BobS]

Fractured frame where the steering box bolts on or a broken mounting bracket between the box and frame. This gives the leading and lagging steering effect.

[IrishChamp]

A buddy helped me and we jiggled the steering wheel with the truck off and looked over everything. Nothing looked broken or lose. The passenger side shaft had a little in/out play but when we jacked up the front and tried to wiggle it there was no in/out or side to side play in the wheel so I think that's ok.
I'm over due for greasing everything so I'm going to start there.

Can someone recommend a good grease and grease gun? Also what are all the necessary grease points on the truck?
I want to give it a good once over.
I found 3 nipples on each side in the front.
I'd like to address any squeak points as well.
Do the leaf springs need lube?
How about bushings and mounts?
I'm sure my differentials need some attention too.
Again, I'm ignorant about lubeing my trucks joints, bearings etc so if someone could point me towards some info Or point out what areas need lubeing and what lube I need for different areas that would be great.

EDIT: harbor freight has a pneumatic/air compressor grease gun for $20, Any experience with this?

[PToombs]

No grease or lube on the springs or bushings. Just the basics on the steering, and ball joints if they've been replaced, u-joints, driveshafts, etc.

On the HF grease gun, they suck. Guy at work bought one and wasn't happy with it. His biggest complaint was that you have to hit the button for each shot of grease. It won't keep pumping if you hold the trigger. I think it kept getting air bound too, among other problems.

[ellis93]

Buy a pistol grip grease gun and you'll not be sorry. If that is not your flavor, spend the money on an electric one from Lincoln. I wouldn't if its not an every day job though. Those are higher that giraffe nuts.

[Richie O]

I have a couple lincoln cordless ones. NICE is all I can say. Batteries don't last forever and its cheaper to buy a total new gun, battery, charger set then it is to get just 2 batteries. ( hence the reason why I have 2 ) I also have a air gun, but don't use to often.

[IrishChamp]

Thank you guys. I will not grease or lube the bushings or springs.
Is there a more affordable alternative to a Lincoln grease gun? It seems to be the most popular but too spendy! I've heard the manual ones don't have enough force to push grease sometimes.
How about a recommendation on a quality grease?

[ellis93]

I use this
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/1/1/60 ... 10005.html

If a quality grease gun is bought then pressure should not be a problem. I use a pistol grip on small jobs and don't have any problems. If you can not push grease thru a fitting with one then the fitting is stoped up or the part that your greasing is dried up.

[Richie O]

You actually get more pressure from a manual grease gun. I get some on the equipment sometimes that the auto gun will just bypass. Have to get out the pump one and go for it.

[ellis93]

Mr RichieO I took the regulator out of mine. Made a word of difference.

[IrishChamp]

I picked up a Lucas manual grease gun and some Lucas red and tacky grease today, Hopefully it fixes the problem, although currently there are no symptoms. Grrrrrr

[PToombs]

Did you ever check the axle u-joints? Turn the front wheels a little and then spin them. If a u-joint is bad the wheel will spin hard.