Hey guy, just finally got to drive my 79 crew today and the power steering was hard to turn and then got easy to turn and then hard to turn so on and so on, turning in either direction. should I replace to pump? It hasnt been drivin in over 5 years.
Thank you

 

Ck all the hard suspension connection points, steering box mount bolts tight, pitman arm, ball joints, tie rods ect....

Ch the belt is not slipping, fluid color burnt, and did the pump have a winy noise to it?

Have you replaced the fluid and bled the system? After all that is checked still sounds like it might be new pump time.

Jack up the front far enough to get weight off the front tires and start it and do some steering lock to steering lock turns and make sure you fluid is not foamy.

 

Real original post reply there 67camerodude, a simple copy and past from the other thread you replied to my about my comments.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...or-1978-a.html

I happen to see that NO one in the 58 thread views offered any help or suggestions to this guy, so I did and you are that one with the problem about my post.

Really?

 

Here is a copy and paste that might be more helpful. lol

Do it the FORD way and it works everytime!!!

1- Hook everything up
2- Fill with fluid
3- Jack up front of truck off of ground (Both front wheels)
4- Disconnect or Disable coil (So Truck CANNOT start)
5- Turn Steering wheel lock to lock about 5 to 10 times
6- Top off Fluid
7- Repeat Step 5
8- Repeat Step 6
9- Crank engine over (Ignition Disabled) and turn steering lock to lock 5 to 10 times
10- Repeat Step 6
11- Repeat Step 9
12- Repeat Step 6
13- Enable Ignition
14- Start Truck and turn Lock to Lock 5-10 times
15- Turn off Truck
16- Repeat Step 6
17- Repeat Step 14
18- Repeat Step 15
19- Repeat Step 6
20- Let Truck Down off of Jacks or jack Stands
21- Repeat Step 14
22- Steering should work just fine, have all the air bled out and have a quiet pump to boot!!!

 

Imma highjack this thread, lol. Ok, so i just did exactly as posted in the steps above, and the ps is quiet and working great, still on jacks though. But....if i turn the wheel when the truck is off, it overflows the ps. Did i do something wrong? Is it not bled yet?

 

Here is some advice I found....

"Sounds like you are pulling air into the system, doesn't take much. Tighten fittings first, replace hoses second.

"The same thing will happen if you shut the motor off before the ps system is fully purged btw."

Disconnect the ign box (power plug with 2 wires). Jack up the front end so no pressure is on the front wheels. Fill PS pump to top. Crank engine over while turning wheels back and forth fully ONE time. Check pump and refill. Do this until pump seems full.

When pump (and system) seem full, crank engine and turn wheels back and forth several more times to ensure all the air is out. You can now start engine. Fluid will drop some when engine starts, ensure it does not drop below top of internal pump (or it will suck air and you have to start over). Run steering wheel back and forth with engine now running. If steering feels easy in both directions, stop steering back and forth. Check level one final time and see if you have foam in the fluid (probably will have some). Let engine just idle, not steering for 10-15 minutes. Foam will disappear on it's own. You can now shut off engine, PS fluid level will rise some and a bit may spill, but if it pours out and empties reservoir, you still have air in it (need to start over from the beginning.

BTW, make sure PS cap is OFF for this entire procedure, or air can not escape. Also, PS fluid (not tranny fluid) foams much less and is alot easier to bleed).

And here is a great way to make sure with a little more work. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...power+steering

 

that is normal, alot of them do it when it's not running, not sure why but it's fine. Now put it on the ground and see if it steers, Oh, did you grease everything while you have the weight off the front end?

 

Ok jacketed front end up, did the steps you guys mentioned, grease and all of the steps, and it works perfect thanks a bunch and saving me money

 

Glad to hear it worked out, but in all actuality it didn't really happen........ unless you post some pics.

Sorry that's the rules, I look at pic #1 and laugh at pic #3....lol

Have to help keep the jocularity level above the minimum around here.

 

To put my mind at ease...
I followed the steps as per 77&79F250 posted, and the newly installed pump worked for 3 days, then failed. So, figuring i did something wrong in the process, i raised the front end and did it several more times. It turns stop to stop with ease when its raised, but wont turn when i take it off jacks. I just put in a rebuilt gearbox, and was running it with a whining original pump for a week with no issues. I replaced the pump, and 3 days later it all stopped. Am i correct in assuming the pump is crap?

 

could be the pump or the box, not sure how to test the 2 without plumbing in a pressure gauge. I supose you could put the return line in a bucket and see if it looks like it has good flow. might get messy though.

 

Have this route a try, I know the guy personally that does it this way and he is having great luck with his p/s now.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...power+steering

Are you sure your fluid does not have any trash in it? And yes a 3 day old junk pump is always an possibility. Hang in there with it.

 

Yeah, i read that thread before and shunned it outta fear, lol. He also stated that it was problems with the 1/2 ton, not the 3/4....so im hoping. I really dont see how it is possible to unbolt the gear box and tilt it on end with the lines attached. And my lines come out the top.