Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Power Steering Pump Mod

[MMcCallie]

I was recently reading one of my diesel magazines, forgot which one, and it had a brief segment on the Saginaw power steering pump modification. It was at the tail of an article on installing a ram assist steering cylinder system. I have drilled out my main fitting, stretched the spring to 2", and used a #4 machine washer to shim the B. B.



Although my steering effort is greatly reduced, it is not yet easy throughout. Especially at low speed, takes two hands. It is easy for a few inches, then gets hard. I am still seeking steering improvement.



Anyway, the article said something different from what i had understood from previous posts. I'm almost certain it showed the B. B and shim, saying that the shim should actually be removed. What i did, is a stacked my #4 in there. I'm a confused. Would someone please clarify exactly what steps need to be taken to decrease steering effort? I'd like to be able to turn my 35x13s with one finger, dead stop.



Thanks,

Matt

 

[MMcCallie]

I've also been experiencing a softer brake pedal. Sure, the truck will stop, but it requires more travel under depression and doesn't feel as hard as it used to. Brakes only feel strong when i'm driving very fast at interstate speed just after accelerating. ABS doesn't feel funky and it is not throwing any codes for brakes, no pulsing or pulling left or right. I figure it has something to do with not getting enough low RPM steering pump pressure.
How do i fix this?
Thanks,
Matt

 

[Bobcat698]

I am still fighting with "steering for a few inches, then armstrong steering kicks in" on my 98. . I turned it into a dedicated puller so it doesn't matter much anymore

 

[HEMI®Dart]

was the screen clean?



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69047&highlight=Power+Steering

 

[MMcCallie]

Yes, i cleaned the screen with parts cleaner and used compressed air to make certain it was all gunk free, totally clean. There was just a little crud on it from the previous 95,000 miles the engine had, but i got it looking llike new. I'm mainly confused because the article said to remove the shim, but i had stacked in a new one, the #4 washer. I did the washer, spring, and main fitting but still have to use both arms on tight, slow turns and barely get it turning even then.

 

[mo375]

Sounds like you might have binding ball joints or binding front axle shaft U-joints. On older trucks, rust becomes an issue. If you remove the front wheels,and disconect the outer tie rod from the knucle,you should be able to turn the knuckle by hand with no more than 20 lbs, of force. You can use a fish scale and hook it in the hole for tie rod. Make shure the U-joint is in line with the ball joints when checking.

 

[MMcCallie]

I suspect no problems with steering linkage. Running all 2006 parts from the tires through the steering column. Only thing over 7 years old in my steering is from the steering wheel to the firewall. Even the gear box is new and has been gone through by PSC.

Only other thing i plan to fix on my steering is to add dual steering stabilizers to keep the steering wheel from kicking over rough stuff. When i steer, it doesn't catch like ball joints do. I've jacked it up and checked for clearance after i made these modifications to get rid of air pockets.

Also no noise. When RPMs are up the problem doesn't exist. The slower i am going, the more difficult steering becomes. Parking lots and slow, sharp turns are two arm duties, like the very heavy manual steering on my '52 M-37. Does anyone know if that article was right or wrong about removing the shim?
Thanks,
Matt

 

[JWashburn]

I installed the higher displacement pump from PSC. Now its good at all speeds including now its stable on wash board roads. I've said else where that I think it now drives better than my 3G. The model number is in my sig

pscmotorsports.com

 

[MMcCallie]

I'm not looking to replace my power steering pump, it hasn't failed. I went through a couple PSC pumps years ago and don't feel like buying another. I'm trying to reduce steering effort using the power steering pump mod from this forum that dates back to 2003, and to find out where i went wrong.

I'm thinking i must have misunderstood about the #4 washer. That instead of adding it, i should have removed the shim and not used a washer at all. Does anyone who has done this mod remember if it is easier to turn the steering wheel with or without a shim?
Thanks,
Matt

 

[MMcCallie]

UPDATE: I have taken out all of the shims from inside the Flow Piston and stretched the Piston Spring to 2. 5". The Main Fitting has now been drilled out 5 times though there is still metal left.

Pressure has greatly increased, so much so that i blew a hose a few times but now have it tight, no longer leaking. My hydroboost brakes and power steering have both improved, but are still far from satisfactory. Steering is lighter during normal driving, but is still difficult during tight, low speed maneuvering. What more should i do to turn my big tires with ease?