I've been having issues with my steering for a little while. Something in my power steering system is failing or has failed.

I can just barely turn the steering wheel when idle and when just starting the truck but, after driving for a little bit, it gets easier. Once I'm driving, I can turn the wheel enough to drive safely, although, the further to each extremes I turn the wheel, it still gets harder.

The truck starts making a whining sound if I turn the wheel or I touch the brakes(even if I just lightly tap it). The sound gets deeper the further I turn the wheel.

I siphoned out what fluid I could from the pump (it was full but, quit dark brown with yellow murky bubbles) and replaced it with new fluid. Afterwards, the steering was far better, not 100%, but much better. Though, eventually, it went back to the state it was of being really hard to turn.

I'm not sure it I need to replace the pump or, Neptune forbid, if it's the rack and pinion. I didn't think it was the rack since the steering is fine once the truck gets going but, I'm not sure.

 

See if the pump is full of dark brown fluid with yellow murky bubbles again. You didn't get all of the fluid out by syphoning. You might have to flush the system and fill it with new fluid. Trying this is much cheaper than replacing anything.

 

From what you describe,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,does your vehicle have a hydraboost brake system?