If you have ruled out low fluid level, the pump may have gone bad. The only other thing I can think of is the pully might be spinning on the shaft and not turning the pump. It's possible......but......I never seen it.
Check for a loose power steering belt.
The power steering fluid for it is actually the transmission fluid. It should be Mercron. Is this suposed to go in the power steering chamber or the transmission chamber to work. The fluid in my 2006 Ford Escape XLT steering fluid tank is black.
Any brand power steering fluid will work.
The difference between GM and Ford power steering fluid is in their chemical composition. Both have unique blends designed to work best in their equipment.
I've had very good luck using power steering sealers especially on Ford products. If the hose or steering rack is not pouring out fluid, you may have good luck with it.
found out 1997 to2001 will interchange but not all pumps will work check bolt patterns
power steering fluid is fluid that makes the power steering pump work and it goes in the power steering pump under the hood.
eny power steering fluid will work
The characteristics of a power steering hose is it is a hard rubber thick enough to hold the fluid needed to make the power steering work.
The 1957 Ford Thunderbird came from the factory with power steering. If the unit is not functioning properly it may be unsafe to drive it. So, yes, the system should be fixed if not propelry working. If you located a 1957 Thunderbird that did not have power steering factory installed, there is no benefit to doing the extensive work to fit the equipment, and it will lower the value of this rare car you found.
Sounds like a weak power steering pump. Have you checked the power steering fluid?
Transmission Range sensor evidently is the answer. This is called a couple of different names but located on top of transaxle. I have same problem with just power steering getting stiff after replacing the pump and rack & pinion.