Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Power steering woes

[FFSchooley]

I have been fighting steering issues with my 98. 5 2500 for a while now. My latest adventure involved replacing a leaking gear box and all the power steering hoses. Ordered the stuff from Chip at PSS. I went to bleed the system and could not get any fluid to start pumping. I tried everything. Talked to Chip many times and he couldn't figure out why it wouldn't pump. He sent me a new pump, put it in and the same thing happened. No fluid movement. Then I got in my truck and gave it a bit of throttle and at last, fluid started pumping. I bled the system per standard protocol and have been driving the truck with no problems. Then as I pulled into my driveway, I felt a "thump" in my steering wheel and then I lost all power steering. I figured I blew a hose. Everything was intact. I found out that I can only turn my wheel to the right. Once I get to center going left it stops. I jacked the truck up and moved the wheels by hand and the same thing happened. I disconnected the steering shaft to confirm it is in the box and it still wont move past center. I hear a metal thump in the box when I try to turn it to the left past center. Any ideas whats going on? I am getting sick of swapping out boxes.

 

[Joe Mc]

Hate to say this, you probably already know anyway, sounds like the box bit the big one. Strange since its apparently pretty new?

 

[DFerverda]

I hope that is not my luck, i just ordered a new box from Chip, due to arrive this week... .....
What was the problem bleeding the new box? Was the pump new or old?
Is there any way to "prime" the new box before or during the install?
I hope you will keep up updated on your plight, the bright side, the pittman arm should come off easy>>>
Then tonight on my way to town, the check engine light came on, 1st time since i have owned her. Will check the code in the morning to see what else awaits me.

 

[DFerverda]

Well i got my new box in and primed and working, but lost my brake boost and steering was tough. Called Chip and he said i still had air in system and to do the pump airlock trick (push on ballvalve with a punch.
I searched tdr and came up with this.
https://www.turbodieselregister.com...7-possible-low-power-steering-assist-fix.html

I want to thank Texas Diesel and B kirk, post #27. I did this mod and
WOW... ... ... ... ... . My steering and brake problem are GONE. The new rebuild pump just needed tweeked to work right.
Well worth the hour it took to do it.
Dirk