Need help with power steering

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Mar 17, 2011 | 11:02 PM

BrandonT71

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Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 201

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From: Ellensburg, Wa

Need help with power steering

I am looking for some advice on how to diagnose my power steering problem. Shortly after buying the truck last year I replaced upper and lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rods and did the front brakes. All were in need of repair. After the repairs were complete I had the front end aligned. After the work was done the steering was much improved from slop and clunk of the worn out front end. Now 6 months down the road the steering is getting progressively stiffer and there is a groaning noise when going around corners. I plan to flush the PS fluid soon. My question is how do properly diagnose a bad pump or bad steering box. Not sure if either is causing the problem. Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Brandon

Mar 17, 2011 | 11:07 PM

snakedoc

Postmaster

Joined: Jan 2009

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From: AL, Reform

the pump uses aft. i would flush it out and put new in and see if that helped. if the gear box is lose you can tighten the nut on top it will help.

Mar 17, 2011 | 11:29 PM

Bonanza35

Lead Driver

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 9,399

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From: Norco,CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by snakedoc

the pump uses aft. i would flush it out and put new in and see if that helped. if the gear box is lose you can tighten the nut on top it will help.

X2 , If you or somebody used power steering fuild you could hurt the
pump. It takes ATF. Flush that and see if it helps. Also is it low, that will cause your problem to.

Mar 18, 2011 | 12:19 AM

clintbonnie

Cargo Master

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3,292

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From: Ardenvoir, Washington

Suggest you use Mobil 1 AFT mercon when you flush and replace the fluid in the pump.. great stuff..

Mar 18, 2011 | 09:09 AM

Fat Diesel

Logistics Pro

Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Morgan Hill, CA

Also put as much air as you safely can in the front tires.

Mar 18, 2011 | 12:05 PM

BrandonT71

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 201

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From: Ellensburg, Wa

Fluid levels are full, will flush maybe Sunday, if I get time. If that doesn't help, and steering is still stiff and groans going around corners, how would I diagnose whether its the pump or gear box causing the problem. Thanks.

Mar 18, 2011 | 05:10 PM

SteveH-CO

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 1,800

Likes: 52

From: Southern Colorado

Often the pump is noisy itself. Have someone turn the wheels back and forth in your driveway while you listen to the pump with a stethoscope (or long stick held up to your ear). I've never heard a steering box moan - only pumps. I'd vote for the pump.