power steering system flush/refill
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
power steering system flush/refill
Few months ago I replaced my steering gear box and since have not been able to get all the air out of the system. Got lucky, came from JY but works great except squeals gets a little hard on a hard turn. Researched and read about a few different methods just wanted to get some ideas from people on the board.
The pump is about 1.5 years old but did run dry for a day but I don't think bearing is bad. If I do have to replace pump I'am thinking a saginaw swap so if you have any links/info on swap let me know. Squeal is get on my nerve's a little. Thanks.
The pump is about 1.5 years old but did run dry for a day but I don't think bearing is bad. If I do have to replace pump I'am thinking a saginaw swap so if you have any links/info on swap let me know. Squeal is get on my nerve's a little. Thanks.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
I don't have any particular recommendations on your current situation except to keep at it. FTE guy Earthquake resorted to flipping the steering box and eventually got all the air out.
In terms of going with a Saginaw PS pump, I've already got the parts to do swap on my '73 because its Ford pump seems not to put out enough pressure at idle... the RPMs have to come up before it has "full" power steering. Picked up CVF Racing's billet Saginaw-to-FE brackets and sourced the pump with a stud on the back from a 4WD '76 GMC Jimmy. I understand it's better to get the pump from a similar vehicle cuz the valving is already calibrated for the weight.
In terms of going with a Saginaw PS pump, I've already got the parts to do swap on my '73 because its Ford pump seems not to put out enough pressure at idle... the RPMs have to come up before it has "full" power steering. Picked up CVF Racing's billet Saginaw-to-FE brackets and sourced the pump with a stud on the back from a 4WD '76 GMC Jimmy. I understand it's better to get the pump from a similar vehicle cuz the valving is already calibrated for the weight.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
I don't have any particular recommendations on your current situation except to keep at it. FTE guy Earthquake resorted to flipping the steering box and eventually got all the air out.
In terms of going with a Saginaw PS pump, I've already got the parts to do swap on my '73 because its Ford pump seems not to put out enough pressure at idle... the RPMs have to come up before it has "full" power steering. Picked up CVF Racing's billet Saginaw-to-FE brackets and sourced the pump with a stud on the back from a 4WD '76 GMC Jimmy. I understand it's better to get the pump from a similar vehicle cuz the valving is already calibrated for the weight.
In terms of going with a Saginaw PS pump, I've already got the parts to do swap on my '73 because its Ford pump seems not to put out enough pressure at idle... the RPMs have to come up before it has "full" power steering. Picked up CVF Racing's billet Saginaw-to-FE brackets and sourced the pump with a stud on the back from a 4WD '76 GMC Jimmy. I understand it's better to get the pump from a similar vehicle cuz the valving is already calibrated for the weight.
Would like to keep this system if I can get the air out.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
I have heard of guys using a vacuum pump. Cork (or whatever) in the pump where the cap goes. Drill a hole in the middle of it and push in a tube. Attach the hand held vacuum pump to that tube. Apply vacuum. I don't know if you're supposed to run the engine and steer lock to lock or not but I know they kept the vacuum applied for a couple of hours. And it worked. Good Luck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
70, Give this a try, raise the front wheels off the ground then turn the steering wheel coast to coast about 20 times. Should you then need to add any fluid add, Lucas power steering stop leak.
Should resolve your issue.
John
Should resolve your issue.
John
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
I have heard of guys using a vacuum pump. Cork (or whatever) in the pump where the cap goes. Drill a hole in the middle of it and push in a tube. Attach the hand held vacuum pump to that tube. Apply vacuum. I don't know if you're supposed to run the engine and steer lock to lock or not but I know they kept the vacuum applied for a couple of hours. And it worked. Good Luck.
Was going to try it this morning but it turned out my mity vac is not so mighty. Bought it a year ago and only used it a few times, hardly any vacuum-leaked. I took it apart and tried sealing it, have to try it again Wednesday as I'am busy tomorrow. There is a seal rebuilt kit I'am going to order. Looks to be a good method.
John I have tried the jack up and turn method, must have turned the wheel about 60 times. Helped but seems like there is a bubble trapped some where. Going down the road it's fine, get into a harder turn like at the gas station squeals and gets hard to turn. Been living with this for about 2 months I guess a few more days won't matter.
Flushing, I read a method where the return line gets disconnected and hose put into a container. Start truck and have another person pour new fluid in till clean fluid comes out. Stop truck, hook up return hose, refill and bleed. Like to try both methods back to back once I get a working vac pump.
Still looking at any ideas, especially if a vac pump is not involved. Like to get air out as soon as I can. Thanks!
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
Here is another video. Where could I hook up vac line, tran.s vac. modular connection?
Ok can't get the video to copy and paste, here is what they do. Use same method as above video except they connect tube end to a vac source on the engine instead of a vac pump. Where be a good source on engine for a vac source that would not be to high to damage pump. Thanks!
Here we go.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=egzQYcxaPGU
Ok can't get the video to copy and paste, here is what they do. Use same method as above video except they connect tube end to a vac source on the engine instead of a vac pump. Where be a good source on engine for a vac source that would not be to high to damage pump. Thanks!
Here we go.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=egzQYcxaPGU
Trending Topics
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
I suspect you have another issue then. Turning the wheel will usually remove air bubbles.
John
John
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
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
[QUOTE=jowilker;13897889]I suspect you have another issue then. Turning the wheel will usually remove air bubbles.
John[/QUOTE
I did run it dry for a short time so could be a pump issue. I'am hoping not the bearing is not a making noise. I've read where others had a hard time and I did replace the gear box so maybe air bubble. Anyway I will have to look at it tomorrow and see what happens.
I'll have to see if I can find any leaks also.
John
[/QUOTEI did run it dry for a short time so could be a pump issue. I'am hoping not the bearing is not a making noise. I've read where others had a hard time and I did replace the gear box so maybe air bubble. Anyway I will have to look at it tomorrow and see what happens.
I'll have to see if I can find any leaks also.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
I have had to replace the lower seals in the gear but nothing else. Turning the wheels purges air from the system.
I usually don't mention those products, but the Lucus is awesome.
John
I usually don't mention those products, but the Lucus is awesome.
John
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
2X John on the Lucas products.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
Anyway if john (Old School) recommends something it's got to be good. It will be a couple of days before I get back to it. I will try the lucus and let you know how it goes.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BstangBill
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
7
Nov 18, 2018 10:38 AM
dcassidy
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
6
Sep 17, 2009 09:11 PM
welder79
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
16
Mar 30, 2009 08:43 AM
Lane Dexter
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
3
Oct 3, 2004 11:52 PM