I've been running into an issue lately with the power steering in my 2002 tribute. Recently the power steering pump began to whine so I opted to have a friend who works on cars replace it. It went relatively well but I've run into an issue where once the car warms up - the power steering sporadically cuts out while driving, parking etc.

At times you can feel it get difficult and then abruptly releases as you turn and other times it allows you to turn slightly left or right but then becomes increasingly harder.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

Could be a blockage in the line or a bad pump if it was replaced by a used one it sounds like it is giving intermittent assistance, or at worst could be a binding of the steering column joints

 

Thank you for the reply. How would I go about clearing the blockage if there is one. Would bleeding it be acceptable?

 

Go for the simplest cause, the replacement pump was likely reconditioned and it has an issue - providing the pump drive belt is in good condition and not slipping you will need to talk to them about their warranty I think. Having anyone investigate further who isn't a qualified mechanic may just invalidate it.

Of course if the pump was from a breakers then it may be faulty and/or contaminated...