What can cause a steering wheel to lock up?

[cp2295]

My friend has a 1990 2.3 2wd ranger and recently his steering wheel has been locking up when you take a right and give it gas, once you let off the gas though you can move the wheel. I thought like maybe a broken engine mount but that seems kinda weird, or maybe something in the steering gearbox?

 

[scrapper]

I would bet something is loose or broken. You should probably raise it up on jack stands and see what happens when you move the steering and or pull on the wheels. I knew a guy in the navy that had a old car that would take off from a stop like he was drag racing, it would only do it 1/2 the time. He found a broken engine mount, when the motor lifted up it hit the kick down lever and the throttle cable. Kinda weird but he was hanging in the engine compartment and his girlfriend drove it to find out what was happening. I dont think that is probably a great idea but he did figure it out. Good luck.

 

[adsm08]

Take the belt off and see if it still does it. If so I would suspect an issue with the power valve in the steering gear.

 

[RonD]

Yes, because you mentioned the RPM I would suspect power assist issue as well.

1990 would still have recirculating ball steering box, I think Rangers got rack and pinion around '98.

Good read here on that type of system: http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/0212or-steering-information/