12 problems related to hydraulic power assist steering system have been reported for the 1997 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving and without warning lost steering control. Dealer notified.
While driving, the vehicle lost power steering. There was also a squeaking noise in the steering column.
While driving and without warning lost steering control and it will be hard for the consumer to control the vehicle. Dealer notified.
Drove vehicle 60 miles to airport and worked just fine. Returned to vehicle one hour later and started it up. Heard rattling noise from under the hood. Put vehicle in reverse and there was almost zero movement in steering wheel. Was not able to drive vehicle and to have it towed. If this were to happen while driving it could have catastrophic results. Wish to urge manufacturer to reimburse since warranty no longer applies. Vehicle was well maintained and should not have failed at this point in it's life cycle.
Steering failed while driving 20 mph. Consumer was unable to turn wheel.
While driving at 6-7 mph, heard a large bang, and lost steering and vehicle went onto the sidewalk. The vehicle was towed to dealer, and they stated the bolts on the power steering gear sheared off. Dealer replaced the parts with no investigation of the cause or if it will happen again.
Steering failed.
Steering shakes and makes noise when turning or when vehicle hits a bump.
Power steering failed.
While making right or left turns steering wheel becomes hard to turn due to power steering.
While making a left turn the power steering failed, causing complete loss of steering control. Cause unknown. Please give any further details.
Steering veers to the right.