Hello. I just replaced my power steering pump and pressure line. I bled the system by removing the return line and turning the wheel until fluid ran out the line into a container. I reconnected it and added fluid, put the wheels in the air and steered the wheel left and right until i didn't have any squeeks. Went for a test ride and had no problems. Checked fluid. All was good. Went for another ride and after a few miles the power steering was hard to turn. Repeated the procedure and haven't had any luck. Actually sat in the truck for about 45 minutes just turning the wheel left and right to try to burp the system with no luck. Any advise? Id there a way to bleed the steering box itself and not just the lines? Thanks.

 

What are you working on ?

 

I haven't had this issue with any of my Fords but on other trucks I have lifted the front end (tires barely touching the ground) remove the power steering dip stick, start the vehicle, turn the wheels all the way to the left and hold for a few seconds, turn them all the way to right and hold for a few seconds, turn them all the way back to the left and while holding it, turn the truck off. If you have air trapped in there it will "burp" out. It might be a little messy. You might have to do it a few times. Again, I don't know for sure it this will work for you but it might be worth a try...

 

76-79s used the same PS system design... ya might want to read this possible solution: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ering-fix.html

 

Just to eliminate it as a possibilty, check the belt tension. Make sure its tight.

 

77 f 150 4wd.

Thanks i will try to burp it by stopping at a hard left with the wheels in the air and shutting it down.

Belt tension is good. Pump is pumping plenty of fluid through.

Why do you think it would it work fine for a while then all of a sudden get an air bubble?

Will try the unbolt the box and lean method. Sounds like it should work.

Thanks.

Brett

 

According to what I'm reading, you did the bleeding with the wheels on, correct? Sometimes, the bleed will be incomplete unless you do it with the wheels off. This allows the spindles maximum movement back and forth, which purges the air out of the steering lines.

 

Recheck all line connections. The system can suck air through a loose hose connection.
Shine a light into the resivoir while engine is running to check for air in system.

 

UPDATE: I finally got some time and used the Ford method in the link provided. I took the wheels off and jacked up the rear of the truck and kept the front down as low as possible without dragging the brakes on the pavement and my steering works great now. The truck puked up a bunch of fluid a few times and it got pretty messy but I'm glad it's fixed and i did not have to take the steering box off. Thanks for all the tips.

Brett