steering problem
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 240
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From: stafford VA
steering problem
Today on my way home from the courthouse(i didnt do it)
my steering while turning right just locked. i knew it was working cause i could turn all the way left w/o a problem, but i barely turned it right and it locked. i was thinking power steering pump or steeringbox. where would be a good place to start?
Thx for the help
Tim
my steering while turning right just locked. i knew it was working cause i could turn all the way left w/o a problem, but i barely turned it right and it locked. i was thinking power steering pump or steeringbox. where would be a good place to start?Thx for the help
Tim
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
steering problem
Not the first time I've heard this. I think the last person to deal with this was looking at severe steering gear problems. You might do a search...it seems to me the thread I am remembering wasn't too terribly long ago.
Otherwise, check fluid, its condition and level, worn components and backlash (slop) in the gear itself.
Otherwise, check fluid, its condition and level, worn components and backlash (slop) in the gear itself.
New User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
steering problem
Here's the oddest part about his problem (I'm his brother). I was driving his truck after replacing the cat/muffler (Sounds sweet BTW!) and I noticed this problem. I was trying to make a sharp right turn in a parking lot, and I was turning the wheel really hard to the right, and I heard a loud pop/clunk, and after that, the steering was fine, and I drove it about 100 miles, with no other steering incident. What would cause it to jam up, and then be fine? Also, is there anyway to quiet the power steering pump? The one in his truck is godawfully noisy. It has plenty of fluid, albeit it smells a bit burnt.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
steering problem
Replace the pump......its the ONLY cure if the pump has been cavitated (run without enough fluid at some point in time). The Ford stock unit IMHO is a POS. I mean the idea of anyone manufacturing a hydraulic pump with an aluminum casing AND an ALUMINUM impeller is ridiculous. The instant the pump gets a little too hot or the fluid gets a little too low/thin the impeller begins to chew at the walls of the casing (cavitation) effectively reducing the pumps capacity and creating contaminants in the fluid. I had minimal luck in adding Lucas PS stabilizer. Would quiet it down for a couple of weeks then come right back. Convert to a Saginaw pump and your troubles will be OVER.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
steering problem
You will need the bracketry from a mid-80's - 90's Econoline. The E series had the "good" pumps in them for some unknown reason. You can swap bracket, pump, and all including hoses as I recall. There are several articles on this swap in various locations across the web. I can never keep track of URLs. Someone is bound to have a link or know the URL to one of them. I know everyone I have ever talked to who has done this swap was very pleased with the results.
