Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) WEIRD Power steering/hydroboost issues

[Bobcat698]

I'm having some WEIRD power steering characteristics.



I've replaced the steering box a few times now.



The last time I did my steering box, I took out the fitting on my PS pump and cleaned the filter screen, along with stretching the spring to increase the pressure. I also drilled out the fitting 1 or 2 sizes to improve PS flow at idle.



After I did all of this, the steering was excellent, with finger-easy steering on blacktop at a stop. This went away within about 10 miles, now its 1/4 turn of the wheel and its armstrong steering again.



Recently, I replaced the return hose and fitting because I believed it was leaking a bit of air.

Re-assembled, bled the system, and now have the SAME thing. . Easy steering for 10 miles, then back to the same old crap.



WHY is this happening? This is really bothering me.



I'd appreciate any input.



Thanks in advance!

 

[LOtero]

could be the pump doesent have enough flow or pressure when the fluid gets hot. when hot p/s fluid can bleed through the vanes on a worn pump making it not as efficent when hot, but it could be old fluid too so try flushing with some new stuff and see what happens if nothing see if you can find a p/s pump pressure tester and diagnose it. the presssure and flow will tell you a lot about a p/s system.

 

[Bobcat698]

Brand new fluid no doubt, Redline PS fluid, the expensive crap, I've replaced the fluid twice due to a mishap I'd rather not explain LOL.

 

[tp0d]

How many hours/miles on the PS pump? If over 120-150k, I would say too much wear. Mine has been slowly dying lately, I have 168k on the clock. Not really looking forward to changing/rebuilding it, as I prolly (should) have to rebuild the vac pump at the same time. . hmmm





-j

 

[Bobcat698]

215k approx on the pump.



Why would it be easy for a very SHORT period of time and then get hard to steer again though?

 

[BRI7070]

Bobcat698,

Did you get this figured out? I just did the same mod and I lost my P/S and Brakes.

Brian

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I went from 315's on aftermarket (less backspacing) rims to 285's on stock wheels... no more Armstrong!

 

[Bobcat698]

Bobcat698,

Did you get this figured out? I just did the same mod and I lost my P/S and Brakes.

Brian

Never got it figured out.

New reman lifetime napa PS pump was installed since then as well.

 

[GOlsen]

Never got it figured out.
New reman lifetime napa PS pump was installed since then as well.

Well it's been several months. How bout now? :-laf I'm having the same exact problem. Would really like to figure this thing out.

 

[MMcCallie]

I've drilled mine out maybe 6 times. Gets just a little better each time but has never come close to being able to turn the tires when stopped. Only light when moving and making small steering moves. Often hear the high pitched pump whine when making tight, low speed turns.

My brake pedal has more pressure after a run at high RPMs, steering is a little lighter as well. Spring has been stretched to a good 2" Perhaps a stiffer spring is needed, but that would make it much harder to put back together. When 4 wheeling on steep mountain trails, my brakes will barely hold my truck. Does anyone have the cure? I tried a ram in the past and was not impressed.