No More Brake Pull, Timbrens and Valvoline P/S Fluid

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Put timbren load supports on the front to keep the front end from sagging with the plow. Noticed the truck tracked straighter.

Been driving w/o the plow a couple days -- it stops straight as an arrow. The timbrens keep the front end from sagging under braking , which maybe was causing the pull condition?

In addition; my power steering fluid has been replaced with Valvoline synthetic P/S fluid ("blew up steering box" thread). As you know, the brakes use hydraulic assist powered by the P/S pump. Maybe that helped too?

The valvoline synthetic p/s fluid seems like really good stuff. No whine at zero degrees, no complaints from the p/s pump when cold, and no difference in steering or braking feel when cold.

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Big MAK
98. 5 ISB 5spd 4x4 Quad Cab 3500, 275s and Original PowerMax
A "WARRANTY FREE" ZONE
https://www.turbodieseltrucks.com

[This message has been edited by Mark Kitchell (edited 12-28-2000). ]

 

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Bet your happy. I hated my brake pull. I felt the front suspension was a major player in the brake pull issue. Keep us updated. I am interested in long term results.

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2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH, Bright white.

 

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hmmm,
I noticed just last night that when I pumped my brakes I was getting a slight twitch of the steering wheel. . hmmmm

 

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Good choice on the Valvoline Synthetic power Steering fluid. Thats what I used when I flushed my system. Very quiet & smooth operation. Should have changed it eariler.

Mark, You should see the snow we are getting in New England. About 3" an hour.

David is probably getting hit too.

Major Nor Easter

[This message has been edited by HEMI®Dart (edited 12-30-2000). ]

 

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Mark, HEMI,

You guys bring up an issue that's been on my mind for several months. The local Dodge guys suggested last summer that I have my P/S system flushed since the truck had about 50K miles on it. They quoted about $150 to do the job. This task hasn't been discussed on the forum much that I've seen (since July). I haven't seen it mentioned in the maintenance schedules in the service manual.

What is involved in doing this? Sounds like going with the Valvoline synthetic is a good idea.

What can you tell me.

Thanks in advance,
JK

 

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Didn't have much choice with mine since replaced the steering box (it flushed itself when it blew apart!). But I think the way to flush it would be to disconnect the input and output lines from the steering box then crank full left and full right a couple times. Hopefully someone with access to a service manual can look up the recommended procedure.

 

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When I did the steering rack on my Corvette a few years back, flushing (or more accurately, refilling/bleeding) was darn easy.

All you do is what Mark said... disconnect the lines and drain the fluid into a pan. If you dare, turn the wheel a couple of times left to right (full lock) to empty the steering box.

If you don't dare, then just reconnect the lines and fill the system with the new fluid. Turn the wheel left/right several times and check the fluid level. Add as needed. Drive it for a few days, then drain and refill. That should clear out 99% of the old fluid.

I'm not sure it's good for the rack/box/whatever to go without fluid for more than a second or two, so I'd be hesitant to try to flush it completely dry.

Rob