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Surging > Power Steering Problem

Old Apr 12, 2003 | 12:03 AM
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Surging > Power Steering Problem

Hello All - New guy here, and this looks like a great site! I just bought my '78 F-150 4x4, some trouble telling which engine (VIN decodes to the 351M, but seller claims the 400, and it has been rebuilt at least) but that works so I am focusing on more pressing problems. The power assist steering is pretty "notchy" - I guess that is the word to describe it. It is hard to turn - then easy - then hard - then easy and so on, usually about 90 degrees of steering wheel travel between it's little "modes". The PS pump was bad when I got it, as were the track bar bushings, all of which I have replaced. This tightened up the steering but didn't really fix the problem. Any suggestions? The only other thing that I am planning to do is flush the entire steering box and pump, just to get a fresh batch of fluid in there. Any help would be appreciated - thanks alot, Matt
 
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Old Apr 12, 2003 | 02:33 AM
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Surging > Power Steering Problem

Hello-

Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts! The Internet's leading Ford TRUCK and SUV Resource!

Does this truck have a tilt column?
 
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Old Apr 12, 2003 | 06:08 AM
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Surging > Power Steering Problem

Thanks for the reply - no the truck is not a tilt column. Also about the PS pump bleeding/flushing - has anyone done this before? Any special tips or tricks that I should know about before I spray tranny fluid all over myself and the garage thanks again!
 
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Old Apr 12, 2003 | 07:44 AM
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Surging > Power Steering Problem

If that is a "78" model truck ...it should NOT have power-assist steering. Power assist was phased out in mid- 77. Unless you have a 78 body on an earlier model frame and axles. fd
 
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Old Apr 12, 2003 | 10:02 PM
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Surging > Power Steering Problem

The only way to tell the 351M from the 400 is to measure the stroke.
The 400 has a 4" stroke.
 
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