steering sticking

It can be a few things. Either you have a restriction with the fluid pumping like a PS filter clogged if it has an inline one or you have a bad tie rod end or drag link. Wear you some gloves cause it's greasy and grab a hold of each one and see if there is any play. A new one you can't move with your hand. A worn one you can move easy. The dust boots if worn bad/ripped is a good sign it's pretty old and been around the block a few times. Also check your steering knuckle for play and the shaft dry and binding.

Does it stick in one direction or when turning hard?

If it is a clog in the lines Sea Foam TransTune works good. On the bottle you'll see it says for power steering too. I've used it on rack and pinion before and it'll free it up any deposits. Just remove about 8 oz from your reservoir and replace it with the TransTune and you have to idle and turn your wheel back and forth every now and then for 30 minutes.

Check the other stuff first.

 

Also check your steering shaft if the slip don't stop it can cause a lockup on steering wheel or feel like it catches then release

 

most likely a bad/seized king pin. A seized kingpin will not return to center after a turn is made,you must steer the truck back to straight.Been there,done that.

 

Jack the front tires so they are both off the ground. Check the rod ends as CondoCruiser has stated. If they appear fine, get a bearing separator (careful not to damage the boots). Separate the drag links from the spindle arms. If it is only one side of king pin, when you try to twist the tire it wont move. If it does move, try moving it to the extreme. If it grabs on one side you might have a missing stop that limits how much the spindle rotates. I have heard of supposed mechanics removing these stops not understanding the damage that can result. If the stops are there. Check to make sure the steering isnt crowding the tire into the frame. While you had the steering box removed? Where you able to rotate the steering wheel with out restriction? The thought here is maybe something wound on the shaft under the dash. With the steering drive disconnected, check the steering universals. They want to pivot easily.

These are the steps we observe over to the shop.

 

Check the filter in the P/S reservoir if you haven't already. Usually causes a "chattering" feel in the steering wheel.
Seized kingpins seem likely, jack up both steer tires and grab the tire. Should be able to "steer" it with fairly little effort. If you really have to lean into it, try disconnecting the drag link to determine if the problem is above or below the steering box.

 

Had the same problem on my dump truck it was the supply line to the power steering pump it would collapse once in a while bought new hose with the wire in it never had a problem since.

 

I have a 2001 century. I get compliments from mechanics about the steering after they have driven it.
it is a long story. Short of it is:
if you have an older truck and are advised to re-sleeve. I resleeved (the spindle)and it lasted 3 mths.
$800.00. Freigjtiners have a Eaton Axle. Get the axle serial number and find a good Rockwell Axle. Have you mechnic check and pick ot up for you.
I also replaced the small CV joints on the steering column and put centramatics on.

 

Find Rockwell Axle match at a reptuable (he he) junkyard.
Got mine for $650.00 Most Friegjtliners have a lighter standard 12000 pd axle. The Rockwells are a beefier 13,500 pd. Had it picked up by the shop that installed it.
Axle installed was 2 grand. No more wasting money on steer tires and failed alignments.
like the old commercial says "Pay me now, or pay me later".
BTW the dealership will give you serial numbers for rockwell axles that will interchange with your particular set up.

 

I have replaced my carrier bearing 2 years ago and recently found it to be bent some. I have a 2001. I replaced the carrier bearing because I thought there wad to much back and forth movement in the training. I was thinking of replacing all the U-Joints.
any advice?
Thanks