Hello, I have just rebuilt my power steering pump and steering gear. Both were working fine before the rebuild, but had leaking seals. After the rebuild, I turned the pump by hand and turned the wheel from lock to lock several times to bleed air. Started it up and turned back and forth several times not hooked to tie rods. Everything seemed to be good to go. Hooked drag link to pitman and went for a test drive. Right away I noticed the steering seemed a little weak. I didn't think much about it, just figured I maybe had a little air still trapped somewhere. Drove it a few miles checking every so often the fluid level and for leaks. Drove back home and steering is still weak. Started pickup this morning when it was cold and it would squeal the belt when trying to turn at a standstill. Once power steering oil warmed up a little no squeal but still weak. Now the magic question.... Do U think its my pump or steering gear??? This is not my first rebuild on these things. I've always had good luck in the past. Just not sure if I should find another pump or tear the box back down for a new seal kit. By the way, I do have the installer and resizer for the teflon seals on the valve. They seemed to resize and install with no indications that one might have rolled, but if its the steering box, I'm guessing its one of these seals. The pump is high mileage but has always worked well before the rebuild. Relief was free and not excessively worn. Slippers had some wear but I've seen worse.. Which one is it? The pump or the steering box?? Or should I just flip a coin??? haha

I also tried loosening up the gear mesh thinking I had it too tight with no luck.

 

With FoMoCo's "bushingless gearbox", I would look towards a Redhead gearbox. If you are confident on the pump rebuild and the integrity of the lines and fitting seals, as well as the bleed, I would go with a Redhead. Tightening that gearbox adjustment screw can be a death sentence to that box and shaft if not done incrementally slow (1/8th turn by 1/8th turn).

 

I don't think its a preload issue. I adjusted it using a sensitive dial torque wrench a little at a time. I've did a few of these boxes before and never had any problems. I'm leaning towards a seal issue if its in the box. If in the pump, I don't have a clue. Everything looked good and went together fine. One other thing I thought could be a problem is a hose that the inner lining has failed or come apart. I guess I could take the pressure line loose at the box and start the engine and see what kind of flow I am getting. If low flow its either a hose or pump issue. Return hose was new. Have to get the shop floor oiled good every once in a while anyway! haha

I know redhead boxes are top of the line, but they are a little over my budget. Thanks for the idea although!

 

[Quote]: One other thing I thought could be a problem is a hose that the inner lining has failed or come apart.
Might be something to look into.