What should powersteering feel like?

Hey, I am thinking I'm in a bind here, but I don't really know.

When I reverse, the powersteering feels like it doesn't want to work. I have to be rolling for the wheel to turn. If I need to make adjustments when stopped, or not rolling fast enough, I have to use both hands and, inch by inch, force the wheel over.

This makes my alley docking very difficult....

If it were just that, I would be okay.

When I have to travel slowly, through an intersection, making left and right turns, and especially on a grade, going up, or down, I lose the power and I have to stop and force it over.

That's what scares me. It happens randomly, so I'm always on guard. The mechanic didn't think much of it, but I'm about ready to find a new mechanic.

I've tried the trick about popping into nuetral and revving the engine, and that works, but its not practical, and it doesn't work in gear, or with the clutch.

Not just wussing out, am I?

If anyone's got a smart idea, or a suggestion, I need an informed opinion to make headway with a repair request.

 

The fluid is always good. I've got a little seepage around the hoses, but not enough to drop the fluid below the add line, and its been 3 months since my last service.

Effortless was how I remember the driving school. This is kind of a workout.

 

All the belts feel tight. Just a little bit of play. When I push on them, the tension pulley (is that the right word?) moves a bit. This is my first experience with trucks, is that normal? I'd say if I had to count the tensioner moving, when I press on the belt, there's well over an inch of play.

 

I've got a Cummins ISX 400hp. The boss bought this thing used, 500k+, from Arrow truck sales.

In other words, from what I've been reading, it was a fleet truck that was due for all the major maintenance.

 

Thanks! As much as I know I need the exercise, I'll start from there and hopefully I dont have to replace anything expensive, which would assuredly be a result of "how you drive the truck".