Weak Power Steering

[05mxdiesel]

Since going to 35s I've noticed when trying to turn the wheel without the truck actually moving is very difficult, almost like a non-powersteering car. I know the method of don't try to turn the wheel unless your moving deal, but when your backing a long enclosed trailer into a tight spot, it is hard not to do this. I have also checked the pump for low fluid and leaks on the box which is neither for both. So, the only thing I can think of is a psc hydro assist, a hi-flow ps pump or narrow tires.

 

[JRG]

I too would like to know if there are any "fixes" for this.



JRG

 

[rbattelle]

Be sure to maintain proper tire pressure. Low tire pressure can aggrivate the problem.



-Ryan

 

[SRubenstein]

I had the exact same problem. Try boosting tire psi to 55. Mud terrain tires (especially BFG's) will bite into asphalt very agressively when turning if they have the least bit of sag in the sidewalls. This should stiffen the sidewall and help the prob. Good luck.

 

[sag2]

This has been an ongoing symptoms for any truck with hydroboost. It is especially worse if you change the wheel offset in addition to the larger tires. It is a simple case of overloading the system. The PS pump can only put out so much, and the steering gear is only so strong. The real problem is the pressure loss when you step on the brake. All hydroboost systems feed the brakes first (safety) then the steering. If you can keep your foot off the brake it is much better.

To see what is happening physically, put your truck in neutral, foot off the brake and have someone turn the steering wheel lock to lock. Watch the truck move slightly fore and aft as the wheels swing through the arc. Now imagine stepping on the brake so the wheels can't move fore and aft, and your wheels are being "dragged" or "scuffed" along the pavement by the steering gear. You will then realize that the steering system just does not have enough umph to do it. In addition, depending on the amount of caster, the truck is being "lifted" as it goes through the arc. Add the drag and the lift and the system is just overloaded. I'm sure one of the big three could come up with a system that would do it, but for the small number of situations where you need it, it does not make economic sense to build it for the minority, and have the majority pay for it.

 

[PKnoerzer]

FWIW - I had similar symptoms because my front u-joints were bad and binding and the top ball joints were wore. Make sure the steering cycles freely by hand with the tires off the ground.

 

[05mxdiesel]

thanks sag2 for the indepth description. I'll try airing up my tires when I am towing. I was more concerned about wearing the middles out of my tires so, right now I run 42psi up front and 36 in the back. Most of the time I have my foot on the clutch when I am backing up.