1985 Power Steering
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Montana
1985 Power Steering
I recently changed out the high pressure hose on my power steering unit (1985 Ford F250 w/ 460) and ran into something I have never seen before. After replacing the hose, I started the truck and ran it for several minutes while turning the wheel back and forth several times and everthing seemed to be alright. I then shut off the truck and went inside to clean up before taking it for a little ride. When I got back out to the truck and fired it up to go, I could not turn the wheel at all. I checked the fluid level in the pump and all was well. I tried for over an hour to turn the wheels (creating much sweat) to no avail. I assumed the pump must have went bad and decided to wait until morning to purchase another. After waiting a couple hours, I decided to try one last time and was shocked to find the steering working perfectly and haven't had any trouble since. Could it have been air-locked in the sttering box itself? How can I prevent such an occurence on future "easy" fixes? Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
1985 Power Steering
Even with the pump off, you should be able to steer with a LOT of effort - are you sure the wheel wasn't still locked by the key? If you shut the engine off with the wheel slightly turned, the weight of the truck on the front suspension will put a bind on the wheel lock mechanism and you have to turn it hard the other way to releive it.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Montana
1985 Power Steering
Thanks for the reply steve83!
Yes, I am sure the wheel wasn't locked because the motor was running while trying to turn the wheel. Also, I was able to turn it about 3/4 of a turn in both directions but it was very stiff. As a matter of fact, as is my luck, I broke the lever in the column for my tilt wheel and had to get it replaced because the wheel would not lock in position. Force is definetly not the solution to this problem!
Yes, I am sure the wheel wasn't locked because the motor was running while trying to turn the wheel. Also, I was able to turn it about 3/4 of a turn in both directions but it was very stiff. As a matter of fact, as is my luck, I broke the lever in the column for my tilt wheel and had to get it replaced because the wheel would not lock in position. Force is definetly not the solution to this problem!
