Steering tight after replacing pump and lines
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 31
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From: Escatawpa, MS
Steering tight after replacing pump and lines
Hello, I have been blessed and not needed to ask for assistance in a while, but that run is over, I replaced my power steering pump and both the return line and the high pressure line. I've bleeded the pump twice now and it is still hard to turn=n at lower speeds. When I have it raise the wheels turn fine and squealing. I also checked the tire pressure which did help , but didn't solve the problem. I appreciate any thoughts and ideas.
Swamp Truck
86 F-150 XLT Lariat
Swamp Truck
86 F-150 XLT Lariat
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,319
Likes: 1,244
Did you park on level ground, engine warmed up, and turn the steering wheel all the way left and right several times then center the wheel, shut off the engine and top off the reservoir with power steering fluid? Do not overfill.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 219
From: W (BY GOD) V
When bleeding the pump, you want to slightly elevate the front of the truck so as any trapped air in the system will expel more easily (with pump cap off).
DO NOT turn the steering wheel to full lock(s) while bleeding. Turn slowly.
Drive belt in good condition and adjusted correctly? What fluid are you using (notice any fluid aeration)?
There is a vacuum tool available to draw the air out if manual bleeding doesn't work.
If no help, you will have to put a pressure gauge on the system.
DO NOT turn the steering wheel to full lock(s) while bleeding. Turn slowly.
Drive belt in good condition and adjusted correctly? What fluid are you using (notice any fluid aeration)?
There is a vacuum tool available to draw the air out if manual bleeding doesn't work.
If no help, you will have to put a pressure gauge on the system.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,174
Likes: 1,174
Why was the pump replaced? Same symptoms previously? Or due to a leak or noise?
I replaced my PS pump several years ago due to a leak. Can't remember the exact details, but don't remember the bleeding being that tricky or involved. Have you driven the truck at all, or just tested while stationary? I wonder if a little careful driving might help, being mindful of the extra steering effort needed.
I'd also be willing to gamble your hard-earned money on a new belt. Perhaps the existing one is glazed and slipping, but not squealing.
If neither thing helps, I wonder if the replacement pump is bad. Was it new, remanufactured, or used? If new, some of the stuff out there is junk. Some remans are pretty sketchy, too.
I replaced my PS pump several years ago due to a leak. Can't remember the exact details, but don't remember the bleeding being that tricky or involved. Have you driven the truck at all, or just tested while stationary? I wonder if a little careful driving might help, being mindful of the extra steering effort needed.
I'd also be willing to gamble your hard-earned money on a new belt. Perhaps the existing one is glazed and slipping, but not squealing.
If neither thing helps, I wonder if the replacement pump is bad. Was it new, remanufactured, or used? If new, some of the stuff out there is junk. Some remans are pretty sketchy, too.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,917
Likes: 4,123
From: Angier, NC
Hello, I have been blessed and not needed to ask for assistance in a while, but that run is over, I replaced my power steering pump and both the return line and the high pressure line. I've bleeded the pump twice now and it is still hard to turn=n at lower speeds. When I have it raise the wheels turn fine and squealing. I also checked the tire pressure which did help , but didn't solve the problem. I appreciate any thoughts and ideas.
Swamp Truck
86 F-150 XLT Lariat
Swamp Truck
86 F-150 XLT Lariat
All good questions asked n why was it replaced, did this just happen with the replacement parts, new or rebuilt part?
Dave ----
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Escatawpa, MS
It looks like a made a typo. It should read "not squealing" sorry about that. The old one became hard to turn and leaked so pretty much the same symptoms. The old pulley was also warped so I think it helped to wear out the old pump. The vehicle was raised slightly when I bled it due to the front wheels being raised off the ground. I also did turn to lock. The belt is several years old it wasn't making noise so I thought it was fine. I will go ahead and replace it if y'all think it could still be slipping. I really appreciate everyone's input. Thanks
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,917
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From: Angier, NC
My take if it was hard to turn before the pump swap and is still hard to turn after and all that has happened is no more leaks then the box is bad.
Could put a PSI gauge on the pump to make sure it is with in spec but my money is on the box being bad.
If you are going to replace the box dont go for a local parts store rebuilt spend the extra money on a
https://bluetopsteeringgears-com.3dcartstores.com/
or
https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/
They are rebuilt but where the factory used bushings that wear and add play the boxes are machined for bearings that remove the play and should not wear adding play.
I for get what one I have but the best thing I did for removing play in the steering.
Dave ----
ps they both worked together at 1 time and why they both do the same rebuilds.
Could put a PSI gauge on the pump to make sure it is with in spec but my money is on the box being bad.
If you are going to replace the box dont go for a local parts store rebuilt spend the extra money on a
https://bluetopsteeringgears-com.3dcartstores.com/
or
https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/
They are rebuilt but where the factory used bushings that wear and add play the boxes are machined for bearings that remove the play and should not wear adding play.
I for get what one I have but the best thing I did for removing play in the steering.
Dave ----
ps they both worked together at 1 time and why they both do the same rebuilds.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: W (BY GOD) V
I also did turn to lock.
While manually bleeding and you turn the steering wheel all the way to either stop, it agitates the fluid and causes aeration.
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Hotshot
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When the engine is running, do you see fluid moving in the reservoir?
Several years ago I replaced the pump on the ‘94 Bronco because the front seal leaked. I replaced it with a reman from Napa. The first one was noisy. The second one didn’t pump. The third one was also noisy but they wouldn’t replace it again and told me it was normal even though I told them it was much louder than the pump I originally had that leaked.
Several years ago I replaced the pump on the ‘94 Bronco because the front seal leaked. I replaced it with a reman from Napa. The first one was noisy. The second one didn’t pump. The third one was also noisy but they wouldn’t replace it again and told me it was normal even though I told them it was much louder than the pump I originally had that leaked.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
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From: Virginia
Rusty balljoints can be a thing. Also u-joints that are locked up out at the wheels on a 4x4 setup. But that problem usually comes and goes depending on how the u-joint ends up. The outer axle u-joint does still move each time you turn the steering wheel, even in 2wd.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,319
Likes: 1,244
Ball joints as Dave mentioned and all the front end parts can cause a hard steering condition. Do you have a lot of play in the steering? Is this an issue that developed recently or is this truck relatively new to you? Another cause could be that a previous owner adjusted the steering box and got it too tight? Or did you attempt an adjustment? Could be a worn out steering box? If there's play that's very likely. Another check is the frame where the box is mounted to, they are known to crack and that could cause a change in geometry of the steering section.
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