Hey All,

Well, with a little sadness, but no regret, I traded my '75 F-100 ( 300 I6, 3 speed column shift ) for a '79 F-250 ( 400 4x4 ) and I've noticed the power steering seems to intermittnet. It will turn easilly for about an 1/8th of a turn then get heavier and arund 1/4 turn, get easy again. I'm thinking either there's water and or debri in the system or I've got steering box troubles on the horizon.


I should add that the truck is more or less stock and has been parked for several months

Thanks !!!!

-Scott Jones
Spokane, WA.

 

Checked the normal stuff? Belt tight, fulid full and clean?

 

Somebody probably "adjusted" the steering box without using the proper procedure. You probably need to replace it.

Whenever you repair a PS system put a return line filter on it.

Wix transmission/PS filter #58964
200 psi working, pressure relieved, magnetic
change yearly or 12000 miles
Ford equivalent filter kit #XC3Z-7B155-AA
filter alone #XC3P-7B155-BA

 

I've been surfing through the archives and found a note regarding the universal joint in the steering column just under the booster. They suggested dousing it with WD40 or some other penetrating oil as these tend to get surface rust and gunk build up on them causing a bind. Well, I gave it a shot and it made a radical difference after a few lock to lock turns. I still have an intermittent " heavy" steering though. The fluid *looks* clean, at least as much as I can see without a step ladder. I'm thinking maybe the gear got loose and someone over tightened it. The pump isn't making any odd noises or leaking. I've got a few Merkur's ( German Ford cars ) and it's a common to find those with a steering 'notch' that's often alleviated by flushing the PS pump lines and rack. We would take off the PS return line, drop it in a bucket and crank the engine ( with the fuel pump shut off so it wouldn't start ) with an assistant cranking the wheels lock to lock. Once the level dropped in the pump, we would start adding Dexron III and keep going like that till it flowed clean, and then put in a filter. That would pretty much alleviate most notchiness.....but that's on a rack & pinion type system....it seems like you could do the same thing on our trucks, you just wouldn't need as much fluid. Any more thoughts on this ? What's the fluid of choice for these anyhow ? My old F-100 didn't have power steering, and the '91 Bronco I used to have was a whole different animal.

Thanks !!!

-Scott

 

Use type F fluid on these old rigs. Check that gear adjustment. Flushing the system would be a good idea. You already know about filters it seems. You should be able to get a new U-joint or a replacement shaft. If that joint is rusted internally it needs replacement.

 

Well, spraying down the universal joint in the column seems to have made an instant difference, a few days more of driving and the steering drag seems to be clearing up. I suspect the system is indeed due for a good cleaning, but it appears as though the box is ok. Thanks for all the tips and info !!!

-Scott

 

You might want to replace that U-joint before it binds up again or gets sloppy.