Weak power steering - idle

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Nov 29, 2004 | 04:14 PM

ColoradoJon

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From: Colorado

Weak power steering - idle

Hi all -

I've got my 84 F250 back from the shop. Had a used 460 installed (so I can plow this winter while I rebuild the original) and am having a problem with the power steering. Works great as long as you got your foot on the gas, but when stopped at a light/stop sign, whatever, the power steering goes away. You've got to feather the gas a bit in order to get it back. Quite the pain in the butt when trying to plow.

So... I've check the belts, they seem pretty tight. Power steering fluid is full, and the idle is set right. Is there a cure for this?

Thanks!
ColoradoJon

Nov 29, 2004 | 07:31 PM

RyanMiller

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From: Long island NY

Might be the power steering pump going out. On mine at idle it has plenty of power steering, but it loads the engine, if your doing tricky steering manuvers and feathering the clutch the engine rpm drops to like 400.

Nov 30, 2004 | 10:14 AM

ColoradoJon

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From: Colorado

Thanks Ryan. It is a new pump, new belts. I've tightened the belts as tight as I can get them (so they won't squeal during acceleration). Before the engine was swapped the problem existed, but wasn't quite as bad. Maybe I need to buy a better pump. Do they make higher performance pumps?

ColoradoJon

Nov 30, 2004 | 10:56 AM

RR4E

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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Curious, what are you using for fluid in the pump? Many people make the mistake of using automatic transmission fluid. It work, but it wears out really fast, and won't provide proper pressure. ATF is rather high in detergents, and tends to foam up in a high pressure situation like your power steering pump (which can produce up to 2500 psi) Try draining the system, add one container of Lucas Power Steering fluid (leak seal, really, but tends to cure a few other problems as well) and top it off with true power steering fluid. I'd bet if ATF was used, it's just past it's useful life. ATF does not make a good hydraulic fluid.

Nov 30, 2004 | 11:35 AM

Sicko

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From: Bay City

Did you make sure the system has no air in it?

Nov 30, 2004 | 12:08 PM

ColoradoJon

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From: Colorado

Well, I did not install the pump, so I have no idea what kind of fluid was used. That is a good suggestion to drain and replace. As far as air, I have no idea. But I'll make sure there is no air in it when I replace the fluid!

Thanks guys!
ColoradoJon

Dec 1, 2004 | 03:24 AM

RR4E

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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba

To remove the air after draining and replacing fluid. Jack up the front end so both wheels are off the ground, fill system, and turn the steering wheel lock to lock a half a dozen times or so with the truck off, prior to starting. The simple motion of the box will push/pull fluid in and out of the pump, without addint the agitation the pump can create. When first filled, the pump tends to cavitate, and push air into the box, making it harder to get the air out. Good luck! And seriously, give the Luca product a try. It cured a hard spot in an old rack and pinion car I once had. Beat rebuilding it.

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Dec 1, 2004 | 08:15 AM

wallyp

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Joined: Sep 2004

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Look closely at the pulleys and make certain that the belt is not touching the bottom of the pulley groove - the belt should touch only the sides of the V-groove. If worn or incorrect belts or pulleys allow the belt to bottom out in the groove, it will slip regardless of how tight the belt is.

Wally Plumley