Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) power steering still sucks

[CBrabec]

Ok I'm not sure if this is normal for these older 12v's but the power steering is driving me crazy. When I am sitting still and I try to turn the wheels side to side like when I curb the wheels or pulling out of a parking space it is almost impossible to do. I have to use 2 hands and the truck feels like it has no power steering at all. Now I have replaced the PS pump, put new lines on and also installed a red head steering gear box. All that money and nothing has changed. Once the truck is moving all is good with no issues, so what's the deal? I never had this issue with my '03. Running slightly wider tires but when I run my stock size ones during the winter for plowing, it does the same thing.

Chris

 

[GAmes]

Did you spring for a new OEM PS pump or buy a reman from a parts house? Saginaw pumps have been around a long time, I have one in my '67 Chev. Different models have different pressure parts, and remans are not very dependable. I went through 5 lifetime warranty ones in a year, then bought a new OEM. It has been giving me excellent service for more than 300k miles. You could also try this
https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ering-assist-fix?highlight=low power steering

 

[Cummins12V98]

Try synthetic PS fluid it helped on my 98. The RedHead steering gear box is a good choice.

 

[DRFriend]

Well I think I can def say not normal. I have a 94 with original steering parts and it turns at a stop pretty easy. Is the power steering pump up against the vacuum pump on a 97? Maybe the problem is between the two... Idk

 

[crabman]

The link that GAmes posted is the fix. Just be sure to read the entire post and related posts and 'follow' their instructions. Flush the system and use synthetic PS fluid.
crabman

 

[CBrabec]

Well I ordered the borgeson high flow PS pump from Geno's but the problem is that when I took it to the shop to have it installed my mechanic called me and said I have the wrong pump. The new pump had 2 lines coming out of it and my stock pump only had 1 which on genos website it said "Features a new reservoir with two returns (ships with one capped) for all Hydro-Boost or vacuum brake applications, made for all '94-02 2500/3500 trucks" so I'm not sure why if this product should have been a direct replacement that it comes with 2 lines but my stock only had 1 line. So my mechanic just used the old reservoir and transfered all the new pump parts. He also flushed the system and did install new synthetic fluids like i asked him to. Not sure what else to do!

Chris

 

[GAmes]

The new pump had 2 lines coming out of it and my stock pump only had 1 which on genos website it said "Features a new reservoir with two returns (ships with one capped) for all Hydro-Boost or vacuum brake applications, made for all '94-02 2500/3500 trucks" so I'm not sure why if this product should have been a direct replacement that it comes with 2 lines but my stock only had 1 line. So my mechanic just used the old reservoir and transfered all the new pump parts. He also flushed the system and did install new synthetic fluids like i asked him to. Not sure what else to do!

The answer is in you post. '97 & and above have two return lines, one is for hydro-boost brakes. If you don't need it, it is capped. Since you have vacuum boost brakes you only need one return line. You need a smarter mechanic.

 

[JMcCoy]

I used to have the same problem. I can now steer lock to lock while stopped with one finger. Years back I replaced the worn out steering box with one from an auto parts store. I later swapped to Mobil 1 synthetic transmission fluid. I think it had more to do with the steering box thought, but I cannot remember for sure. I still have the original power steering pump. Good luck and keep us posted.

EDIT: It should be noted that when I was having problems when tuning when stopped, the steering box was not worn out. I don't know if it was the different box or the synthetic fluid.

 

[mweiman]

Are you sure that your ball joints and tie rods are moving free? I have seen stuck/rusted ball joints cause similiar issues.
Matt

 

[CBrabec]

I just replaced all my entire front end with all new parts including ball joints. I called the mechanic back and told him that I'm bringing my truck back to him to have him install the pump I originally brought to him and have him put the pump parts back in it and I'm hoping that takes care of my problems.

 

[Cosmo]

I'll never buy a Redhead product after my buddy's experience - he got a bad one out of the box and Redhead basically said "it happens, we don't QC check, sorry about you having to pay for the labor twice"

 

[jeffjdrum]

Just installed borgeson 800120 power steering box and upgraded pump and steering shafts from genos my truck steers like a corvette worth the money