Just wanted to know what problems I mitt run into this weekend when I install a new one. Never done this before and don't want to mess up. Also is it suppost to have O-rings with it for the new install. The box was open when UPS delivered it and none were in side. I thought maybe for master cyclinder or other lines. Thanks,
Chet

 

bump to the top.

 

here is an .org link with pics Hydroboost Replacement - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

looks pretty straight forward, just R&R then bleed the power steering in the usual manner.

 

Steve, thanks for that link! It don't look hard just hard for me with my eye sight. Let you know how it comes out.

Chet

 

Good luck Chet.

 

Just wanted to get back. I haven't done the install yet but will report when its done.

 

I realize that hydroboost is oem and different from an aftermarket ram assist, but this may be of interest if you haven't already come across it:

Power Steering Pump - Page 4 - PowerStrokeNation : Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

When my van had severe Death Wobble. After a lot of factual investigation of the condition of my rig and internet research regarding the problem, I believe that what happened with my DW was that the exciter of a pothole and not perfectly balanced tires pushed on the steering box which then was deflected because the hydraulics were too weak to withstand the push, but the pump builds up pressure and pushes back on the tire which pushes back on the pump, and repeats with increasing violence until I would stop or nearly stop the vehicle. The weak pump, in my opinion worked in conjunction with the bouncy air-filled rubber sidewalls of the tires to propogate the DW back and forth through the rod tying the two front wheels to each other (er, I mean the "tie rod").

So, I thought about modifying the steering box to push a double ended ram because I knew that I needed more hydraulic dampening between the two tires to stop the DW from propogating. I thought, "Well a ram assist will provide hydraulic dampening AND permit me to easily turn the wheels from lock to lock without the van even rolling."

But I chickened out. Apparently, installing too big a ram makes for too sensitive steering, especially at freeway speeds. (See post #37 in above thread.)

So, I just went with dual opposing Bilstein gas pressurized shock absorbers with a Rough Country bracket which I cut up and rewelded to fit my application. And it cured my DW.

But I still wonder about ram assist... And because of your thread, I now wonder whether my oem hydroboost just needed rebuilding...

Regardless, what symptoms did you have which made you want to rebuild the oem hydroboost?

And please post how your rebuild goes and what improvement you notice.

 

I did the Hydroboost change out today. I had a leak and I couldn't find it. Finally I saw a drip coming from the bottom of the Hydro boost where there's a small hole. I guess it there for internal reasons. It work perfectly but started to wind when the fluid got low. I never saw it leaking till the first low fluid. Anyway, I ordered it from Auto Nation Ford on line. Wanted the ford pump. Thing is, the one I took off had a groove for the boot in it and the one I got didn't. It also didn't come with a new boot. I called ford today, local. and they said it was suppost to have the boot. I called Auto Nation Ford and they couldn't find a part number for it either. Anyway I tie strapped it to the boosted, the old boot. It seem to work great. None of the other lines showed any sign of a leak. I guess I'll have to wait and see over the next few days. Ford here wanted $526.oo plus tax. Auto Nation Ford got $340.oo delivered, so I saved there. I had a Chevy have DW once, it was a 4x4 and I just changed the front stabilizer and all was good.

 

On the Ram assist, my son has the problem of not being able to turn his tires on an 2004 F350 with 35 tires. I drove it last week, I like the way it drives but can't stand not being able to turn with out moving the truck.