2013 D13 Power steering dead spots

Hello,

I have "dead spots" while turning, especially while backing. There is a "squeal" in the center of the steering wheel, NOT the engine compartment. I've recently replaced both belts because they were old.

I've changed the power steering fluid and filter. That seemed to loosen up the dead spots. Later added Lucas power steering conditioner/stop leak ( there are no leaks) this seemed to help loosen it a little bit more. Anyone else have this issue?

I have no odd noises coming from the engine compartment as if it were a bad idler gear. No grinding noises, just the dead spots (harder to steer when turning).

I was going to drain the power steering fluid again and fill mostly with 50-60% Lucas and remainder with PS fluid but i wanted to hit the forum up for any suggestions.

Thanks in advance,
Teemobile

 

Here is an update, and thanks for the reply!!

A few days after posting this I replaced the kingpin bushings and bearings as well as the wheel bearings, tie rods and center link. Driver side kingpin was getting worse The binding up in the steering is almost non-existent. I still get the squeal in the steering wheel but the noise level is much less. The dead spot or binding up is also much less to almost to not noticeable. I will update if something changes; may be helpful to someone in the future. I'll include a few photos of the kp bushing.

After the work the TCS light on the dash is on. I cannot turn it off with the dash switch. I'll post that with another title but I've included it in this post in the event someone else takes this path of repairs.

Thanks for the helps gents!!

Tee