Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Long time power steering issue, whats wrong with it!

[Bobcat698]

Long time power steering issue, what's wrong with it!?

I have had a problem with my truck's power steering for a LONG time now.

At a dead stop at idle, I can turn the wheel about a 1/4 turn, then the wheel stops dead, if you work at it enough you can obviously turn it, but without power assist.



I have replaced the steering box for several different reasons, I just replaced the power steering pump and put in a high-flow hydroboost unit.

I was able to turn the wheel all the way around both ways easily for the first few miles, then it went back to the SAME symptoms.



I had the Dodge dealer test my hydroboost pressure before I replaced it. . he said it seemed to be giving adequate pressure to the steering box, but thinks maybe the valving may be sticking in the steering box (which is what I figured was happening in the hydroboost unit). I've had 4 different AGR steering boxes on the truck and EVERY one has done this. . I doubted that could be it, so I put the hydroboost on anyways.



I've done the pumps mods, where you drill out the fitting and also stretched the spring out before I put the new pump on, if anyone was wondering about that.



Does anyone have ANY idea what I need to do to get this thing working right?



Let me know, I'm REALLY sick of this. Thanks in advance!

 

[Forrest Nearing]

my truck does similar and it aparently started when the previous owner installed 315's with a shallower offset...



I'm going back to stock alloys w/ 255/85's or 285/75's and see how it goes from there

 

[GAmes]

Have you checked the two pressure hoses that go from the pump to the brake booster and from the booster to the steering box? They have a rubber inner liner wrapped with (for lack of a better term) string, then covered by rubber. If that inner hose collapses or clogs it would cause that problem. The brake booster could also have clogged passages. I just replaced mine because they started oozing fluid sorta like a soaker hose. $170 from the dealer, then found out NAPA can get them.

 

[Bobcat698]

Have you checked the two pressure hoses that go from the pump to the brake booster and from the booster to the steering box? They have a rubber inner liner wrapped with (for lack of a better term) string, then covered by rubber. If that inner hose collapses or clogs it would cause that problem. The brake booster could also have clogged passages. I just replaced mine because they started oozing fluid sorta like a soaker hose. $170 from the dealer, then found out NAPA can get them.

Haven't checked the pressure lines. Will have to see if I can get new ones.



I just replaced the brake booster, aka hydroboost, see original post.

 

[GAmes]

It seems that there might be a way to check the hoses before replacing them. Perhaps removing them and blow compresed air thru and also check for weak spots. Throwing parts at the problem is a bad way to troubleshoot.

 

[B KIRK]

Try THIS thread.

Helped a lot of problems like your describing.



Brad

 

[Bobcat698]

Try THIS thread.

Helped a lot of problems like your describing.



Brad

Thanks for the link, I've seen it, and my original post states:

"I've done the pumps mods, where you drill out the fitting and also stretched the spring out before I put the new pump on, if anyone was wondering about that. "

(don't mean to come off as an ***** in any way, just restating that I did that stuff.



It has a new power steering pump, so the screen is new.

 

[Bobcat698]

It seems that there might be a way to check the hoses before replacing them. Perhaps removing them and blow compresed air thru and also check for weak spots. Throwing parts at the problem is a bad way to troubleshoot.

I hear ya, but I figured the power steering pump was about shot at 200k and everything else was taken care of, so I replaced the hydroboost next.

 

[Woodenhead]

Likely not your hydroboost setup. My '96 doesn't have hydroboost but I can barely turn the wheel unless the tires are moving. It is a pain and I'd also like to know what needs to be done to fix it.



Sorry, that's all I can offer.



Mike

 

[BRI7070]

Bobcat698,

Did yoiu find out what the problem was? I did the same mods to my powersteering pump and for the first 2-3 minuets and then no steering and no brakes. I checked the fluid and it was real foamy. I did a complete drain buy blowing our the lines from the pressure hose with the return hoses disconnected. After replacing the fluid I started the truck and let it run for a few seconds and toped of the fuid again. Did this 4 times to make sure I had sucked in no air and what do you know I have foamy fluid again.



What do I do?



Brian

 

[Bobcat698]

No fix here. . really annoying.

Plus my luke's link is wearing out so I have sloppy+no power assist steering.