2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering Pump>>Remote resoivor

[doodad]

I had to install a a new steering Pump(rebuilt). I am having a problem now that it binds and grinds, feel it in the wheel and fuel pedal. It only happens when i turn sharp or quickly turn the wheel. The only explanation that makes any sense to me is what CPFF said, and that is that the resovoir for the pump is too small and it is sucking it dry. The cure is adding a remote resoivor,(jetta works good) so that the pump has more fluid. Has anyone else out there in TDRland had a similar problem. Thanxs Jeff

 

[CumminsPower98]

Does it do it all the time even when it's warmed up? You might want to try a synthetic fluid. Many here have had great success with Valvoline's semi-synthetic fluid. I think mine works better since running this fluid. I don't think you are sucking the fluid down so much as to suck air. These same style pumps are run on piles of applications and I have never experienced or heard of a problem caused by not enough fluid. Of course the pump could be screwed up too from a poor rebuild. I really have no idea, just some ideas...

 

[doodad]

Cumminspower98, I am running the Valvoline synthetic steering as of the rebuild replacement. I am tempted to suck some out of the pump and add some Lucas power steering fluid as it is thicker. Oopps the wife just reminded me that the last time i mixed the two they did NOT react well together. Turns all foamy. .



I am thinking more and more that it is to doo with the rebuild. It was a special order too, had to come up from the states.

 

[Chipstien]

I doubt it is the pump.

I recently put a new pump on to see if I could cure the "no turn when not moving" syndrome. Well I had the same thing with the new pump... ... halfway through the turn it seemed like it just quit working for a second. Seemed to groan too. Ended up trying three different remans but they all did it. Said forget it and put the factory one back on..... great, it still does it. BTW, none of the pumps fixed the fact that it wouldn't turn unless moving. I am at a loss for words, how can I get the steering to work while standing still.

I am considering getting a Ford Powerjoke..... at least the front ends aren't a joke.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

The F*rds have a serious issue with the power steering / hydroboost brakes... .



I have heard of more than one instance of someone trying to cut the wheel and had their foot on the brakes at the same time... . there was not enough pressure/flow from the power steering pump to power both the hydroboost brakes and the power steering box at the same time.



A new power steering pump did not solve the problem. Brand new trucks are having the same issue.....



If you haven't looked at Ford lately... . look again - they're still junk!!!



Matt

 

[Chipstien]

Sorry to run astray of the thread but.....

what would be the cure so I can turn the steering wheel while sitting still. Something MUST work.

 

[doodad]

Chipstein my problem is not as bad as yours it seems as my wheels will turn when the truck is sitting still. The sound ,grinding/binding has gotten worse since the re install of the rebuild. It sounds to me like your problem is the steering box not the pump.



We need some input from CPFF on this as he had to make a remote resovoir for his Cummin's powered ford

 

[JohnE]

A little sideways, but still on the thread.

Why would you want to turn the wheels when the truck is standing still? That is very hard on the patch of rubber contacting the road surface on a nearly 5k lb front end. My wife doesn't do that with the mommy van and i certainly don't do it with the Ram.



Lucas additives are notorious for foaming the base lube.

I had limited luck with the Valvoline semi-synth PS juice. I recently added a bottle of LubeGard additive and it really cleaned up the noise. A PS system is a closed loop and even if you use it hard it should not deplete the reservoir unless it was low initially.

 

[Chipstien]

Originally posted by JohnE

A little sideways, but still on the thread.

Why would you want to turn the wheels when the truck is standing still?

You don't realize how much you do this unless you cannot. When pulling wide into a parking spot, and not quite making it, or paralle parking are the times that I need to do this. It is hard enough to park these rig because of their size, but if you can't get it to full lock then it is impossible.

 

[doodad]

LubeGard additive. John E , who makes it and where can it be purchased. I am gonna try another pump on it this week see if it makes a difference.

 

[JohnE]

LubeGard PS additive is made by the folks that make LubeGard Transmission additives. I got my bottle at a local NAPA store. I am very impressed with LubeGard in the transmission and the PS unit was phenominal. The PS pump always had a slight whine and that completely disappeared after suctioning the reservoir dry, adding the LubeGard 4 oz bottle, and topping off with more Valvoline.

The braking hesitation went away, too.



Now trying to hit Chipstein's problem.

It sounds to be in the steering mechanics, not the pump. Have you tightened the centering screw on the sector? If you get them too tight it will bind the sector after you get out of the polished and mostly used center section. Added a lift kit or otherwise changed the steering linkage geometry? Checked the steering knuckles & u-joints? Does the vacuum unit fully disengage the front axle?



I notice my PS is a bit sluggish if the engine rpm drops, but I have a 12 valve and have to set the idle very low for winter due to a tight converter.

 

[David_VT]

Tuition from the school of learning the expensive way.....

Beware of the groaning PS pump.

Beware of the low fluid PS pump.

Beware of the leaking PS system.



Between the PS pump and our mighty engine is an expensive 'fuse' that reacts poorly to a siezed PS pump.



That 'fuse' being the output drive from the unservicable $1040 vacuum pump!



Just got my beast back on the road after 6 weeks and a $2400 bill ($3500 if I had not found a vacuum pump myself) related to a leaky PS gearbox which I neglected 1 second too long. At 96K, this will be it's final trip to the DC shop after they really put the wood to me on this repair and lost MY old vacuum pump... . (At least they finally got the cummins 3 cyl idle working)

 

[doodad]

David Vt my steering pump groans yet doesnt leak any fluid at all.

That 'fuse' being the output drive from the unservicable $1040 vacuum pump!

I too fell for that line of BS from D. C and from Cummins. Guess what they are wrong. I purchased a Seal kit from CPFF(TDR),(comes with seal and O-rings for both kinds of Vacumn pumps) for only $24 USD and with a set of instructions/pictures.

 

[Mackie007]

I set the idle on my `96 auto up to 900rpm. This was done to improve the trucks air conditioning efficiency while at idle (yes it helped). Also I noticed a definite improvement in the at idle steering performance needed for parking lot maneuvers.



Another thing, make sure you are running enough air in the front tires, more air = a smaller contact patch with the pavement.



Best Regards,

Mac

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

I changed my Power Steering pump to Valoline's synthetic fluid and it has helped alot but still have a little growl when trying to go lock to lock. I have a new Dodge power steering gear box to install as well as a seal kit for the vacum pump, and I want to get one of those gear box reinforcer kits from PDR before replaceing it all. I hope with all the upgrades to the steering and a total flush of the system, the famous steering growl will be gone.

 

[Chipstien]

JohnE, when you say "centering screw on the sector" do you mean the oversteer adjustment on the top of the steering box? Yes I do have the Skyjacker springs so the geometry is off. And I am running 315's so there is more rubber in contact to the street. I expected it to work a little harder but right now you cannot turn it AT ALL when it is sitting still. It is no different then trying to turn the wheel with the engine off. It was like this when I had the factory springs too. Can anyone post a picture of how the oversteer adjustment on the steering box works? Seems my steering is worse then most so I have been trying to pin-point the problem.