2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Hard steering from dead stop

[RolandJ]

other day i was backing out of a parking space and noticed how hard it was to steer. I don't remember the truck being hard to steer. I guess PS pump is going. What aftermarket pumps are there that are good. I dont think its worth a oem one.

 

[monkeyman]

Check your PS fluid for air bubbles, also look for any leaks by steering collum, inside, Hydro-Booster could be bad also.

Rick

 

[wcjp]

When is the last time you flushed the system for new fluid? On my 96' I used Valvoline full synthetic power steering fluid.

 

[WilsonF]

Before you buy a new pump you could try this, fixed my pump.

powersteering

Floyd

 

[BEnglish]

Before you buy a new pump you could try this, fixed my pump.



powersteering



Floyd

I did that to a new pump and big difference, I can push off a curb with the front end (but of course I only found that out on accident LOL) but the brakes and steering work well at the same time now even standing still if I have to. I have a PSC box and called to ask if it was dangerous to amp the flow/pressure to their box by changing the pump. I was told they were tested well above what the pump could produce so I was safe.

However, if your box is older with lots of miles I would be careful because you would probably develop a leak from old seals IMHO, and I had a buddy who split a box in half from too much pressure in his CJ.

 

[bboxall]

I added this:
'94-'02 Dodge Cummins Hi-Performance PS Pump

Includes input drive but no reservoir can, must reuse exsisting can.

1400 series pumps are identical to the 1300 series pumps in appearance, but the looks are deceiving. These pumps are manufactured with completely different internal components than the 1300's. The heart of the 1400 pump is a larger ring and rotor which displaces more fluid per revolution. This makes this pump the pump of choice for low engine RPM performannce.

WARNING!!!! MUST USE A POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER WITH THIS HIGH PERFORMANCE PUMP TO KEEP FROM DAMAGING PUMP.

I used an automatic transmission fluid cooler in the return line. Works great! Will post pics of custom designed cooler mount if anyone needs it. IT IS AWESOME!

 

[RolandJ]

thankss for all the info. I haven't flushed it. How do you go about flushing it.

 

[bboxall]

Put a drain pan under the front axle about a foot inside from the left front tire. Take the high pressure line off the back of the power steering pump and see how much fluid you get drained. Take the fill cap off the power steering reservoir and you might have to loosen the fitting the pressure line was connected connected to but alot should drain out. Then fill the tank with the new fluid to the correct mark on the dip stick. Crank truck and move steering wheel back and forth once and immediately shut down engine and check fluid level. The thinking here is that the amount you can put in the tank at one time isn't enough to fill the system so each time you start it you will find the reservoir level low until you get all the air worked out. Be advised that you won't have much power assist on steering or brakes until you get the system's fluid level back where it should be.
Another thing you can do is get a hand operated vacuum pump and suck the fluid out of the reservoir or possibly a siphon. The thing to remember is that there are probably 2 reservoirs full of fluid or more in the system so you will have to repeat several times to get it all changed out.
Hope this helps.

 

[charlessmith]

Here's another writeup on cleaning the PS pump. This one is about our trucks:

- click here: Power Steering Pump Cleaning





There is a screen that should be cleaned first. Sometimes that's all it takes.

 

[DZollman]

hard steering at stop

After replacing the steering gear box and 5 pumps did the mentioned mod. The gear box didn't cure problem. All the reman pumps had low assist too the mod to the last pump worked. It now steers easily even while stopped. The hole didn't need drilled out just added the shim. 2002 pickup