output pressure on steering pump?/stiff steering

[Superdawg]

I am trying to track down the reason for the stiff steering. I am running a Borgeson gear currently but the steering has been stiff on this truck since day one. I have checked a friend's stock 2006 and his needs less effort to turn the wheel.

When the tie rod is disconnected, the gear moves easily. On the same note, the tie rods (all new) don't appear to be freezing up and the ball joints (Carli) move easily.

Stock tires/stock suspension height.



Sometimes I wonder if there is a restriction/debris somewhere in the PS system.



The pump is stock with 100k on it. System has ATF+4.

What is the proper output pressure on the pump?

Test between pump and hydroboost?

Test between hydroboost and gear?



I have a friend with access to a pressure tester so checking output pressure will be done in the near future.



I getting the parts together to replace the power steering hoses but am having trouble locating the high pressure line between the pump and hydroboost. I figure those would be a good idea to replace at 100k/7 years.

thanks,

Tom

 

[rbattelle]

I looked over service manuals from 2003 to 2006, and can't find any reference to pump pressure. Maybe someone who has measured a normal pump will chime in.



I did find this, however, which may be of interest:

CAUTION: Do not remove the fitting on the pump that the high pressure hose screws into. The fitting may come loose unless it is backed up using

another wrench. If the fitting does come loose, it must be retightened before continuing. (57 - 67Nm, 40 - 50 lbft) If this fitting comes out of the pump

body, the internal spring and valve parts will fall out of the pump and they cannot be reinstalled properly. If this occurs the pump needs to be replaced

with a new pump.

-Ryan

 

[Superdawg]

Thanks Ryan.



I wonder, if I was able to source a used pump/pulley/reservoir from a 2010/2011 junked truck, would it fit on my 2004. 5?

 

[rbattelle]

I was just reading another thread talking about an upgraded pump kit. It's the 2009-up pump, I believe, with all the parts required to adapt it to fit the 5. 9 engine. You need a different mounting bracket, different reservoir, and different pulley.

Check out Dieselnerd's post (#4).

Not sure that would give you the easy steering you want.

-Ryan

 

[Superdawg]

I'm going to look at getting those parts from a 2010/11 junked truck. I will let you know how it goes.

 

[sag2]

Ryan, it should be in your manuals also. This is from 2006. The flow (3. 5 to 4. 0 GPM) is more important than the pressure (1800 ± 50 psi) on a diesel. Without the pressure/flow tool you will be hard pressed to determine the flow.





FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST

1. Check the power steering belt to ensure it is in good condition and adjusted properly.

2. Connect pressure gauge hose from the Power Steering Analyzer to adapter 6826.

3. Connect tube 6825A to Power Steering Analyzer test valve end.

4. Disconnect the high pressure hose from the power steering pump.

5. Connect the tube 6825A to the pump fitting.

6. Connect the power steering hose from the steering gear to the adapter 6826.

NOTE: If fluid leaked from the steering system, it should be filled to correct lervel prior to starting the

engine.

7. Open the test valve completely.

8. Start engine and let idle long enough to circulate power steering fluid through flow/pressure test gauge and to get

air out of the fluid. Then shut off engine.

9. Check fluid level, add fluid as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.

10. Gauge should read below 862 kPa (125 psi), if above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as necessary.

The initial pressure reading should be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).

11. Increase the engine speed to 1500 RPM and read the flow meter. If the flow rate (GPM) is below specification,

(refer to pump specification chart for GPM) the pump should be replaced.

CAUTION: The following test procedure involves testing maximum pump pressure output and flow control

valve operation. Do not leave valve closed for more than three seconds as the pump could be damaged.

12. Close valve fully three times and record highest pressure indicated each time. All three readings must be

above specifications and within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.

² Pressures above specifications but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace pump.

² Pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other but below specifications, replace pump.

13. Open the test valve and turn the steering wheel to the extreme left and right positions three times against the

stops. Record the highest pressure reading at each position. Compare readings to the pump specifications

chart. If pressures readings are not within 50 psi of each other, the gear is leaking internally and must be

replaced.

CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate against the stops for more than 2 to 3 seconds at a time

because, pump damage will result.

PUMP SPECIFICATION

ENGINE RELIEF PRESSURE ± 65 FLOW RATE (GPM) AT 1500 RPM

1500 series 11032 kPa (1615 ± 65 psi) 3. 1 - 3. 5

2500 & 3500

series

12400 kPa (1800 ± 50 psi) 3. 5 - 4. 0

 

[Superdawg]

Thanks Sag2, that is good info.

 

[rbattelle]

Oh yeah, I see it there now. Duh. I was looking in the wrong section.

-Ryan

 

[Superdawg]

I am was thinking of getting a power steering pump/reservoir/pulley and bracket out of a salvage 2011 diesel to put on my 2004. 5. Does anyone have a reason to believe that one won't fit on a 2004. 5? Are the hose fittings the same?



It appears the parts were updated in 2009. That year was a 6. 7 engine and so is the 2011 truck. Seems like it would work... .

 

[skipro3]

I recall reading somewhere the pumps had some sort of restriction that could be bored out to increase fluid flow and make the steering easier. Also that some screen that gets clogged in there. Anyone recall any of that and can shed light on it?