Power steering problem

[Ed Mc]

Looking for some help with my power steering. Some background, I have a gen 2 coyote in my MK IV with the KRC power steering pump and FFR power steering rack. Just passed the 3,000 mile mark, this is my third summer of driving. My steering has always seemed a bit too tight, last year spoke to KRC about it and they suggested I was using cheap fluid (Prestone power steering fluid ) and suggested I switch to Lucas power steering fuel. Flushed the system and re bled and this seemed to help a bit but still didn’t seem as smooth as it should be. Yesterday on a drive around town the car started to intermittently pull to the right while going around 30 - 35. Didn’t do it at faster speeds and not consistently at lower speeds. Also, does not pull when braking only when driving on a straight road, but not always on the same road.

Put the car up in the air to check the front end. Nothing is loose, brakes are not hanging up (Willwood brakes), no fluid leaks and with no load the steering wheel turns smoothly. The only thing I see left as the cause is the power steering rack.

Is there anything else I should look into, or is it time for a new rack? If a new rack is in my future which is the best one to use?

Appreciate the collective knowledge of the forum!

[scrubs]

Alignment?

[Ed Mc]

The car tracks straight 90% of the time then out of the blue it will pull right, no bumps or pot holes to cause it. The witness marks from the alignment are still aligned as well

[edwardb]

Sounds like something is going on with the rack. Doesn't exactly make sense that the PS pump would be the issue. It doesn't know which direction you're turning, or vehicle speed for that matter. There are Fox body Mustang PS racks available at your local parts stores. I personally haven't used one. But this thread has some information. There are others. https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?38930-Power-Steering-Rack. My buddy received a recommendation for a BBB INDUSTRIES N1010106 as an upgrade from the usual parts store reman units. More expensive ($235 at Rock Auto) but all new and is working great in his Roadster There are other alternatives (e.g. Flaming River) but even more expensive.

Side note. I'm a bit surprised KRC is recommending that brand PS fluid. When I was having an issue with mine (a leak issue when I cross threaded one of the fittings) they strongly recommended only using their KRC branded fluid. Which I did. Maybe something has changed.

[Ed Mc]

Paul,

Thanks for your input, looks like time for a new rack.

Regarding the fluid, like most things it depends on the tech who answers the phone. He did say they recommend their fluid, but it is hard to get and he felt Lucas products were just as good.

[Norm B]

My Mustang shop manual says Type F ATF for the power steering fluid. That stuff is just slightly thicker than water. Don’t know if that works with your pump or the FFR supplied rack.
The power steering fluid I have tried to use in the past had a much higher viscosity and didn’t work well. Made the steering choppy.

Norm

[Ed Mc]

Paul,

Did your friend need to use the rack extenders with the BBB rack?

Thanks for your help

Ed

[edwardb]

Paul,

Did your friend need to use the rack extenders with the BBB rack?

Thanks for your help

Ed

Definitely required and yes he installed them. He got them from Breeze. https://breezeautomotive.com/shop/rack-extender-set-1-for-87-93-mustang-power-rack/. I don't know anything about the PS rack Factory Five supplies. Maybe it has extenders you could remove and use? FYI, the PS racks I used for my builds came from Breeze. That's what's on my Coupe. He used to sell a rack from Unisteer (MAVAL Industries) which was excellent but he stopped carrying them. I think because the price got out of hand. Pretty sure I recall Mark at Breeze is who recommended the BBB rack to my buddy.