Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problems of the 1997 Ford F-350

Power steering was lost when my hydraulic pressure hose was blown out of the fitting that threads into the power steering pump. The local Ford dealer parts department had seen so many of these hoses replaced that the employee at the counter knew what type of vehicle it went on without asking any questions. He was also able to retrieve the new hose from the warehouse without consulting a computer for a part number or storage location. This tells me (and he eventually confirmed) that these hose fittings have been failing regularly. The new hose has the same fitting design but it also has a tag which clearly states, "do not exceed 20 ftlbs torque". The parts guy was emphatic that I follow this torque specification. I will note the fitting design is such that excessive torque could damage an internal clip which seals and holds the hose tube to the fitting. I believe there is a good chance these fittings were over-torqued at the factory and is the reason for failure. Note that my fitting failed at a low speed in a remote setting and nobody was injured - the outcome could have been very different had it failed while turning through a busy intersection.

When the brakes are applied the vehicle loses power steering. The dealer has attemped to repair problem several times. Consumer states while pressing the brake hard, the power steering quits working, it also does this when not in motion, dealer has replaced the gear box and power steering unit, however problem still exists, consumer states he wrecked in 02/97, however does not know if this is related to the accident, consumer wants this problem repaired or wants a refund.

There is a bolt that comes loose, causing power steering to go completely out. This has happened twice. Dealer replaced part, and problem has reoccurred.