2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission -30f may have killed my steering box

[Houser]

Hi Again

This time its my steering box. It was -30f last night. i had a hard time getting my truck started but finally did. When i got home I was crawling around under the truck trying to trouble shoot the ABS - Brake light problem and noticed I had a fresh new fluid leak from the top cover on the steering box. I wiped off the dribble hoping it was just a cold Wx fluke but tonight I see its a regular constant leak.

Is there a fix may be just a new O ring, or do I need a new steering box. #@$%!

If I do need a new steering box where is a good place to get one.



Mike

Palmer, Ak.

 

[dseabaugh]

This is where I got my box. Power Steering Services, Inc. Quick service & reasonable price. They did refund my core charge. I think the box is a little stiff but that may because I changed from the 4 1/4 turn to the 3 turn box. Be sure to use synthetic oil. It is more fluid at cold temps. and less likely to blow a seal. I've found that bleeding the system works better with the engine not running. with truck on jacks stands turn the wheel lock to lock. hydraulic booster for the brake bleeding seems to work best start it for just a second and then pump the brake peddle all the way with the engine off. let bubbles settle and then do it again. I think it took like 4 or 5 pints to bleed out my truck.

 

[MBowser]

Houser did yours start to be hard turning till it got warmed up? I am in the same boat 40 miles down the road in Eagle River and mine doesn't want to turn



Bowz

 

[Houser]

Yes it was loud and bucky till it warmed up. If your running your original fluid you might want to change out to synthetic.

Mine steering box is Ok now. I bought a new one @ napa and installed it last night. They even threw in a loner set of front end tools.



Mike

Palmer, Ak

 

[WDaniels]

Mike,

I have found that the pumps are loud in the extreme cold. Mine is real loud once it passes -35 when I start it, even with the synthetic fluid. I just let it warm up for awhile and the sound goes away. Do you still have your stock hyd steering line on the pump. It should be black. If so, it most likely is the line. Go to Alaska Rubber and supply and get them to make you a line out of the extreme cold weather hose. It'll be blue. Also get the high quality fittings. I had two fail until I upgraded to the good lines. Even now in the -55 weather, I have no problems with my steering pump. Hope this helps.

WD

 

[MBowser]

WD, thanks, that may help... she was a beast tryin to turn the wheel till it got warmed up...



Gotta questions... with changing to synthetic, how'd you get the fluid out of the steering box? I have an idea but not sure if its right? Does the steering pump help with brakes too? cause those were not great till after the pump seemed to get warmed up?



IDEA:

Drain the pump

Undo the return line from box

Fill pump with fresh stuff

Start truck

Turn wheels lock to lock

Do till fresh stuff shows up in drain pan

 

[RAmy]

mine howls a little when i'm in temps near or at what you were in, every 2nd gen i have driven howls all most louder than the engine. Pretty much double armstronging it untill things warm up.

 

[RHestand]

As it got down to 0* and below here in WI, my 98 started howling pretty bad also.

I got under truck to do a complete fluid change, but at 8* and wind at 10-15 mph, it was just too cold.

So as a stop-gap till spring, I ran 1&1/2 quarts of ATF-4 through the reservoir (syn. was not readily available), with a turkey baster, starting eng. , and turning steering wheel R&L between ea. drain & refill.

That was about a month ago, and so far it's been working great. Completely smooth and silent.

Ray

 

[GCULP]

Mbowser, on my '01 the power steering and the brakes are an integral system, so when one is not working well, they both have issues. What year is your truck?

 

[JOrtman]

I have an 01 myself. Had trouble this afternoon when I was putting a winter front on my truck in my bosses shop. Started the truck and had no power steering. Had a little puddle on the floor. I have a howler!