flow restriction on 70214AA upgraded steering gear?

[Superdawg]

I finally got frustrated enough with the lack of assist with new, better?, bigger steering gear from Mopar. I pulled it and put the Redhead back in. The Redhead is so much easier to turn.



I examined the 70214AA box and noticed at the port for the incoming high pressure line, there is what appears to be an anti-backflow device (a metal cap with a spring behind it). If I push down on it with a screwdriver, it goes down maybe a little more than 1/16". Now, I will be the first to admit I am not a hydraulic engineer but it seems that is not enough flow when gpm is important.



When the 70214AA gear was in the truck recently, I tested the pressure and it came back to 200 PSI at idle between the pump and the gearbox on the high pressure side. According to old specs, they say if idle pressure is over 125 PSI, check for restrictions.



For those that have access to the new upgraded gear, can you check and see how far that anti-backflow cap drops down when you push down on it?



I would like to remove it but I am not sure how involved of a process that would be. I would prefer not to drill it out and leave metal chips in there.



thanks,

Tom

 

[seafish]

One would want to be very careful in removing any flow restrictor in a hydraulic set-up... obviously, it is there for an engineered reason. "Adjusting" the restriction or orfice, by changing the spring pressure or size openeing MIGHT be doable, but it would need to be done in extremely small steps and be a calibrated adjustemnt. I have read about people adjusting or modifying their PS steerin pump orifices and return rates and having it blow the top half of the pump right off. NOT saying it can't be done, but extreme caution is advised, though I am sure that you know that already.

 

[Superdawg]

I think the question is: Is this an anti-backflow device, a flow restrictor or both?
I think it is an anti-backflow device since the PSI and GPM is dictated by the flow control valve at the steering pump. The previous steering boxes did not have this device.
I would guess it would do fine without but I have made the wrong decision before, once or twice.

 

[Superdawg]

I went to the dealer with the old box and compared it to a new one. The new one's check valve? plunges down a little more than mine did, possibly letting more flow through. I exchanged mine for the new one, even though it was slightly past the 1 year warranty.
I am still toying with the idea of removing that check valve before installing it. The old boxes I have seen did not have one.

 

[Superdawg]

I verified with a couple of sources that the item is a check valve, designed to limit steering wheel kickback if you hit a rock or a curb. I bit the bullet and carefully extracted the check valve pieces from the outside. I used a screwdriver and needle nose pliers and was careful not to leave pieces of metal in there.
I was going to take a photo of the finished product but I could not find the camera. I put it back together and it is an improvement from before. The steering wheel returns almost all the way to center after a turn without being "notchy". It is still a little tight but it is a new box. Overall, more enjoyable to drive. Less effort required to turn right/left and that issue was really bugging me.

 

[seafish]

Good to know... thanks for the update!! The steering on my 2005 with the upgraded Mopar box and PS pump, while NOT at all notchy, IS stiffer then the old one, particularly a low speds, so I migh try this out if you think it helped with ease of turning at lower speeds??

 

[Superdawg]

I do think it helped but it is hard to quantify. My hanging fish scale is not very accurate at measuring the pull needed to turn the wheel.
I drove some highway today and it was much better. Very minute changes in the wheel to keep it between the lines. Not perfect, but better than it was. Less stress to drive, wow, what a concept.

 

[MAshley]

So anyone know if the new pump has a different flow and psi? guess its time to do some research... errrr. . stupid steering.

 

[jelag]

My 2 cents worth is that the more caster your front axle has the faster and easier it comes back to center when you turn loose of the wheel... Caster is not a tire wear angle so that you can change the caster and improve how the vehicle returns to center... .

I'd also check with the guys at Redhead and ask them... they are the pro's of gear boxes and will know what the one way check valve is for... and if in fact it's there to restrict flow... .

I'd also think about a filter in the return line... it would serve 2 purposes... . 1 - filter the oil... and 2 - the extra oil would allow the system to cool better... its not uncommon on larger trucks to filter the power steering oil with a hydraulic filter... .

Just my thoughts...