2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Very stiff steering/ braking

[Rhondasway]

I did search and read a couple threads that were a bit informative.

Here's the deal: '98 4x4 with 225k; my steering box leaked for some time, and I did a couple fluid changes with synthetic which helped for awhile. I installed a reman a couple years ago, but have had some major issues that has kept the truck off the road for most of the time since mad.

I just got her back on the road and the steering is very hard. I put Royal Purple synthetic in it when I put the motor back in, have gone lock to lock a number of times, checked fluid and everything looks fine. Braking is a bit stiff as well and makes a howling sound.

What is the likelihood that the pump itself is just shot? What about that little slot on the box itself that can tighten loose steering; can it be turned to ease steering?

Thanks for any help. I'm dying to have her reliably on the road again!

 

[BigDaddy]

There is only one thing that I know of that share commonality with brakes and steering and that would be the Hydroboost unit.



However, you are experiencing a hard pedal and most faults with the Hydroboost are soft pedal. Your “stiff steering” is almost certainly associated with the Power Steering Pump.



I would recommend changing the PS Pump for the hard steering, first. That will eliminate the easiest and least costly component to replace.



I believe a new PS Pump is $50. 00 - $100. 00. Hydroboost unit $200. 00 - $300. 00.

 

[STeichert]

I worked on a '98 4x4 that had the same symptoms, but it would spew oil out of the power steering cap after the engine would shut off. It took many lock to lock turns whith the front wheels jacked up and I think I loosend a line to the gear box to help bleed the system. I think the slot on the box you are asking about is more for taking some of the play out of the steering and it is just small adjustments at a time. I agree with the above comment, that the power steering pump has probably quit and is due to be replaced. Good luck, steering problems can get frustrating.

 

[GAmes]

Did you by chance read this thread? Cleaning that screen made all the difference in the world on mine. A little messy, but all it costs is the fluid. The OP said he used ATF+4, a no-no in our 2nd gens. BTW, Redline synthetic PS fluid costs a lot less than RP and works just as well.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...7-possible-low-power-steering-assist-fix.html



I have also had my hydroboost fail. The symptoms of that are the spewing fluid on shut down.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Having had the same problem, I'd wager that you don't have all the air out of your system yet, or else you got most of the air out and didn't get enough fluid back into it. The howling noise is usually lack of fluid. Is the brake pedal "fighting" back at times? Like it has pressure and then loses it? That's air in the lines, usually. And the screen metioned above is very important. If that's stopped up or restricted, it can cause some kinds of oil to foam, giving it air in the fluid. Worse case scenario is the pump is gone, but the growling noise suggests it's trying... ... check your fluid and try lock to lock several more time, say 5-10, checking the fluid half way through.

 

[klcammie]

Iagree with cleaning the power steering screen. Just did mine made a BIG difference in steering. Follow the link and it is a easy job.

 

[Rhondasway]

Did you by chance read this thread? Cleaning that screen made all the difference in the world on mine. A little messy, but all it costs is the fluid. The OP said he used ATF+4, a no-no in our 2nd gens. BTW, Redline synthetic PS fluid costs a lot less than RP and works just as well.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...7-possible-low-power-steering-assist-fix.html



I have also had my hydroboost fail. The symptoms of that are the spewing fluid on shut down.

I did not see that! Wish I had known this before I put the whole works back together, but better late than never. Thanks, brother! Guess I'll be pouring some more RP out; both times I put it in my trans some line came loose and dumped it on the road which has never happened with cheap fluid. I'll try to catch it. :-laf

After the weekend I'll check that screen, put her up on stands, and go lock to lock til I wear myself out.

And yes, HHhuntitall, brake pedal does fight back.

Thanks, all, I'll report back.

 

[Rhondasway]

And I'm going to need a bigger ladder to add fluid. I'm already like a monkey climbing an elephant when she's on the ground...

 

[jdross440]

I had installed a new steering box. Had done the mods to the pump (stretched the spring, opened up the output hole). I had about 400 miles on it. I was stopped and turned it full left, the pressure went up and I heard a big bang. Lost steering and brakes. Turned out to the check valve in the pump had apparently stuck and when it popped loose it went so deep in the bore it stuck. Had to replace pump as I couldn't get it out. The new pump all I did was open up the ouput hole. I ran out of synthetic fluid and put in about 4 ounces of atf+4. Will this mix hurt or do I need to flush it and completely fill with synthetic?

 

[GAmes]

I ran out of synthetic fluid and put in about 4 ounces of atf+4. Will this mix hurt or do I need to flush it and completely fill with synthetic?

ATF is used in the 3rd gens. Our seals require power steering fluid, regular or synthetic.

 

[HHhuntitall]

And I'm going to need a bigger ladder to add fluid. I'm already like a monkey climbing an elephant when she's on the ground...

The grass is always greener..... I need heavier spings to hold the front end up from my sitting up there so much!! :-laf I was climbing up on the shelves in the shop the other night looking for something I knew was there, lost in the infinite vastness that is my shop, and one of my friends said,"Ya know, I saw a movie you just reminded me of... ... What was it? ... ... . There was a gorilla, some things flying through the air... ..... a big, dramatic, climbing scene... ... . Oh, I know!!! King Kong!!!" It's hard to throw things when you're hanging on 20' off the floor.

ATF is used in the 3rd gens. Our seals require power steering fluid, regular or synthetic.

Yeah, Power steering is a higher refined fluid than ATF, with less impurities in it, and I believe a slightly higher viscosity. There a several articles here going into great detail on that. The ATF will work if you don't have anything else, and many a mile has been run on it, but your pump will run longer and cooler on Power steering fluid.

 

[jdross440]

After reading GAmes reply I went and bought 4 quarts valvoline power steering fluid that meets the Chrysler specs and flushed the system. We'll see how it does.

 

[jdross440]

The overpressure from the original pump may have damaged my hydroboost as now the braking is erratic. Sometimes they work normal, but other times they are hard to push then suddenly the pedal falls some and the brakes apply quickly as if the piston in the hydroboost is sticking. I have also noticed that when stopped in my yard and trying to turn the wheel lock to lock you can't unless your moving a little (even bringing the rpm up doesn't help), With any movement it steers normal-maybe grass is applying too mych sticking power.

 

[jdross440]

Replaced hydroboost unit Wednesday. So far brakes are back to normal. There is an occasional growl from pump when turning or when returning to center.

 

[GAmes]

There is an occasional growl from pump when turning or when returning to center.

If you bought a rebuilt pump from an auto parts store you may be doing the job again (and again and again). Saginaw pumps have bee around for a long time (my '67 Chev has one) and there are a hundred variations. I replaced 5 lifetime warranty pumps in about a year's time. I finally bit the bullet and bought a new OEM and haven't had a problem since.