Hard steering issue

I had a small power steering fluid leak,years ago,i ignored it for months,and it led to an elbow tendinitis,put me out of work for 3 months.

 

How is the steering gearbox oil level?

 

Only way you're going to know for sure is to get it tested. You can toss money at it and hope you pick the right part. Most shops should have a flow meter and gauges. They'll use them to test pressure/flow from the pump and determine if its a pump or steering box issue.

 

What did the oil look like when you changed it, if it was black and contained specs or a film of silver, there's a good chance you need a pump and a box. Its not really relevant, but I just bought an older F250 and had to change both, and it only has 80k on it(half of that plowing and working in a cemetery). Power steering oil is something that is frequently overlooked and usually doesn't get changed until something breaks. I've never heard of flow testing but it definitely makes sense, good luck, the pump I'm sure is cheaper than the box, unless you rebuild it yourself. One more thing always try to have the truck moving when you steer, stationary steering is bad on the parts and the steer tires, not to mention you're arms, especially when loaded.

 

5th wheel dry?

 

With hydraulics its not always the pump that's faulty. Oil under pressure is lazy. It will take the easiest route back to the reservoir. That's why I'd advise testing because a steering box that is bypassing internally will cause the system to act the same as a pump that is weak.