Have a 99 ford ranger 2 wheel drive sterring wheel jerks when turning the fluid is up is it the pump or the rack

Hi Paul, How is the condition of your front tires? If the pump is whining at higher rpms that will change pressure down at the rack, is the rack a variable assist? My advise would be to get the pump replaced or rebuilt asap, If the pump is whiny or grinding it will send small metal particles through the system and contaminate the rack and pinon etc. Did you flush the system when you replaced the rack? Let me know a little more info, Hope this helps, Good Luck Randy.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/randall_d932ef6e01588b0f

If you are certain it is a bad pump, replacements are available at most auto parts stores, or a wrecking yard. I assume you've checked fluid level, belt and pulleys, hoses; as well as the condition of the steering box, or rack and pinion. There is a forum for rangers with "how to" for your pump: http://www.ranger-forums.com/engine-drivetrain-122/how-change-power-steering-pump-104580/
I hope this helps you. If you're going to be doing much work on your Ford, I suggest you buy a service manual for it. They make life much easier; though we are glad to help.

Check the power steering fluid level.
If the fluid level is low, you obviously have a leak somewhere and it should be repaired. If the level is up, watch the power steering pump while the engine is running; is the pulley turning freely?
Power steering systems are hydraulic devices. The pump provides the pressure and the steering gear or rack and pinion assembly (depending on the vehicle type) applies pressure in the direction that you are turning the wheel to assist with the steering. When the hydraulics fail or when the internal components fail, your strength is the only thing turning the steering.
But start with the fluid.

The most likely cause is the pump. First thing to check is the belt tension and the power steering fluid level. If those check out ok you will need to replace the pump.

Hope this helps.

Zeppelinx12

2 things to do. Listen at the tank for the fuel pump to humm for 5 seconds when you turn the key to ON.

2. Spray some starting fluid into the throttle body and see if it starts for a few seconds then. If yes, it is probably the pump, slim chance it's the fuel pump relay.

This can occur when power steer fluid level low or pump/rack on the way out. Check for 'pink' oil leaks, belt tension on p/steer pump and resevoir fluid level.

check your fluid. but it sounds like the steering rack is on its way out

is there fluid in it? try some of the power steering fluid that says it stops the whine..

i don't think it is the pump. The pump would generally make a noise all the time because the motor's belt is what powers your power steering pump. Sometimes you will hear it bog down the motor when it is being turned all the way to one side or the other but that sould be about it. The grinding you described sounds like a rack and pinion problem and not anything to do with the pump itself. I hope im wrong because rack and pinion fixes are much more expensive and time comsuming to repair

Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/matthew_d24b835e574ef6ca

Either the check valve within the pump or the pump itself has failed or the steering rack has gone bad