steering box issue
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 383
Likes: 9
From: Batavia, Ohio
steering box issue
replaced steering box with a rebuilt one from advanced auto, steering will get tight at certain spots. when off it sounds like there's a rubbing noise inside the box-could the ps pump be going out making it get stiff and act like it's hanging up in certain places without making noise or leaking?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
Those "rebuilt" boxes from the parts stores are hit or miss, you could go through ten of them before you found a halfway decent one, all they are is resealed and repainted, there is no rebuilding per se, all the internals are left untouched, yea the price is good, but you get what you pay for, you're much better off in the long run paying some more money upfront and buying a quality rebuilt box from the likes of Red Head steering.... Red-Head Steering Gears, Seattle WA - Red-Head Steering Gears Home
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 32
Um... Sounds like you have air in your power steering fluid. Check your fluid. Lift front wheels off the ground after you chock the rear. Turn your steering full left and right 10 times. Check fluid, then do it ten more times. Check again lower truck 10 times check, then ten more. If it still makes noise you have to vacuum bleed with a vacuum pump "mitivac" and a rubber stopper do the non vacuum first. Sometimes no mater what you do the pump will still whine. Mine does and I even vacuum bled it. Oh well such is life.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 383
Likes: 9
From: Batavia, Ohio
Um... Sounds like you have air in your power steering fluid. Check your fluid. Lift front wheels off the ground after you chock the rear. Turn your steering full left and right 10 times. Check fluid, then do it ten more times. Check again lower truck 10 times check, then ten more. If it still makes noise you have to vacuum bleed with a vacuum pump "mitivac" and a rubber stopper do the non vacuum first. Sometimes no mater what you do the pump will still whine. Mine does and I even vacuum bled it. Oh well such is life.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 279
Likes: 8
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 383
Likes: 9
From: Batavia, Ohio
yes it does-easy everywhere else, replaced the rag joint and just tightened everything pretty good?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 383
Likes: 9
From: Batavia, Ohio
remove the ps dipstick or leave it on?
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 279
Likes: 8
loosen the locknut without letting the straight blade adjuster bolt move, back off the center bolt (counterclockwise) until you have a small amount of play in the input, the tight spot will be gone, now adjust it back down so it has no input play but has not tightend up yet, you can set it where it just starts get tight again and then back it off a bit, the tightest you can go without getting it over tight , drive on a flat road and turn the wheel just off center and see if it stays (tight) or will return to center.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 383
Likes: 9
From: Batavia, Ohio
loosen the locknut without letting the straight blade adjuster bolt move, back off the center bolt (counterclockwise) until you have a small amount of play in the input, the tight spot will be gone, now adjust it back down so it has no input play but has not tightend up yet, you can set it where it just starts get tight again and then back it off a bit, the tightest you can go without getting it over tight , drive on a flat road and turn the wheel just off center and see if it stays (tight) or will return to center.
New User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Are you sure you're getting high pressure out of the power steering pump? I recently replaced my '74 F100 steering gear box. The pump appeared fine. After swapping the steering gear with a rebuilt unit, the power steering was still not working. Then I replaced the pump and immediately my power steering was restored as good as new. It turns out that my old pump was turning like it should, (not froze-up), but it was not putting out the 1200psi that it is supposed to.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 383
Likes: 9
From: Batavia, Ohio
Are you sure you're getting high pressure out of the power steering pump? I recently replaced my '74 F100 steering gear box. The pump appeared fine. After swapping the steering gear with a rebuilt unit, the power steering was still not working. Then I replaced the pump and immediately my power steering was restored as good as new. It turns out that my old pump was turning like it should, (not froze-up), but it was not putting out the 1200psi that it is supposed to.
