2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Hdryaboost and Power steering Problems

[KKlingbeil]

Ok, my truck has never turned the best, but it is either getting worse or i just notice it more, but when i have my foot on the brakes it doesn't like to turn. While trying to park or something is when i notice it the most, but also if i about miss a turn off and slam on the brakes it is about impossible to turn as well. I tried to turn up the pressure in the pump, cleaned the screen, took out the shim, added a small washer on the other side, streched the large spring out, and that worked for about 10 seconds and it then cracked the cast housing of the ps pump. I couldn't see it until i took the resevoir off. So i got a rebuilt pump for an auto parts store and it didn't fix anything. Someone suggested the hydra boost is bad. New from dodge they are 585. 00. Used from junk yard is 150 and its 180 from O'rielys auto parts and that is a reman. The dealer says they can test the pressures in a bunch of different spots and tell whats wrong. I know that they all aren't like that, cuz i have 3 or 4 buddies with dodge cummins truck and they can all turn easy all the time. So what do you guys think??? Have the dealer do their so called tested and pay them 100 bucks, or just get the hydraboost and try that??? I am about stumped on this issue, so any help or suggestions is much appreciated!!!

 

[KKlingbeil]

Somebody has got to know something about this, dont they??? I am really at a loss right now, come on guys!!! Thanks again.

 

[jtwcummins]

I was having problems with steering and bought an AGR steering box. Put it on and it was worse so went back to factory unit. Flushed system with Valvoline syn fluid and added duralube power steering additive and it helped. One day I took the AGR box out and did the preload and over the center adjustment and they were off miles. Put in truck and flushed and added duralube again and installed the Solid steel brace. No more problems. Most notable problem with out of adjustment AGR was no steering standing still. After adjusting and the brace no more problem. Another problem fixed using the Valvoline syn and duralube was brake pedal pressure became consistent, use to be hard pedal sometimes then a softer feel. Now it is the same all the time.

Basically what I am saying is if your brakes work I wouldn't throw money and parts at the problem.

What I would do is use a turkey baster and remove/add syn PS fluid until it is reasonably clean. Then I would take the over the center adj 1/4 turn and see what that does. If you get improvement try another 1/4 turn on adjustment. Not a good idea to go more than 1/2 turn total. The best way is to pull steering box and adj using torque wrench to make the force needed equal in both directions. Duralube really helps, use their products in trans and cooling system as well as steering.



If this fails I would pay to get system tested, be a real bummer to change the hydroboost and then find the problem is a hose degrading.

 

[GFrance]

On my 01 the accumulator let loose, lost the hydraboost & pushed power steering fluid out the top of the resevior. My dealer wanted $610. 00 for a new hydrboost. I couldn't find one thru the auto parts chains. I found a co. in Portland Oregon that rebuilds them with a new accumulator for $ 178. 00 plus shipping. I have a total of $220. 00 into it & turn around was only a couple of days.

The place is called Brake Systems Inc. I might still have their # in my shop if you want it.

 

[KKlingbeil]

I dont remember the procedure for doing the over center adjustment, thats not the one where there is a like a 15 or so mm lock nut on a stud that has an allen cut out right?? Please tell more!!

Thanks!



PS i have sny. fuild in it, i think its royal purple.

 

[jtwcummins]

From Alldatadiy sorry the figs didn't come across it is in a TSB.

OVER-CENTER ADJUSTMENT



1. Find the center of the steering gear travel by rotating the steering wheel completely to the left then, rotate the steering wheel to the right while counting the numbers of turns required to reach the end of travel.



2. Rotate the steering wheel to the left 1/2 the number of turns counted in the previous step. This position should be the center of the steering gear travel.



3. Loosen the locknut on the pitman shaft adjuster screw (Figure 1). Make sure the adjuster screw is held and does not turn with the locknut.



4. Turn the adjuster screw in approximately 1/8 of a turn. While holding the adjuster screw, tighten the adjuster screw locknut.



5. Road test the vehicle to determine if the over-center adjustment has corrected vehicle wander. If vehicle wander still occurs, repeat steps 1-5.



NOTE: SOME IMPROVEMENT SHOULD BE SHOWN AFTER 1/8 TO 1/4 TURN. IF WANDER STILL OCCURS AFTER TURNING THE ADJUSTER SCREW UP TO 1/2 TURN, PROCEED TO THE BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE.



CAUTION: IF THE OVER-CENTER ADJUSTMENT SCREW IS TURNED TOO FAR, CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF VEHICLE WANDERING DUE TO POOR STEERING RETURNABILITY AND/OR STICKY STEERING.



BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT



1. Position the front wheels straight ahead, then turn the steering wheel slightly to the left (eleven o-clock position). Place a steering wheel holder, Snap-On tool # WA96A or equivalent, between the steering wheel and the driver's seat to secure the wheel.



2. Remove the pinch bolt securing the lower end of the intermediate shaft to the steering gear.



3. Compress the intermediate shaft and disconnect it from the steering gear.

4. Remove the adjuster plug locknut (Figure 2).



5. Turn the adjuster in/out with spanner wrench C-4381. The adjuster is properly positioned when the plug and thrust bearing in the housing is firmly bottomed in housing.



6. Place an index mark on the housing even with one of the holes in the adjuster plug (Figure 3).



7. Measure back (counterclockwise) 9 mm (0. 350 in. ) and mark housing (Figure 4).



8. Rotate adjustment cap back (counterclockwise) with spanner wrench until hole is aligned with the second mark (Figure 5).



9. Install and tighten the locknut to 108 Nm (80 ft. lbs). Be sure adjustment cap does not turn while tightening the locknut.



10. Install the intermediate shaft onto the shaft splines of the steering gear. Install new pinch bolt, p/n 06504926AA, on the intermediate shaft and torque to 49 Nm (36 ft. . lbs).



11. Remove the steering wheel holder.