Volare Steering Problem
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Senior User
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Volare Steering Problem
I am building a 55 F-100 with a Volare IFS, took it off of the jack stands to drive it for the first time, and the steering was very hard to turn. I put a new power steering pump on last weekend, filled up with new fluid, bled the system and drove the truck again, but it still has the same hard to steer problem. I thought that a new pump would correct the problem but it did not, can anyone give me any suggestions on what could be causing it to be so hard to steer.? Thanks for your help,
Charlie
Charlie
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,072
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From: tulsa
to me it sounds like something is in a bind. Check steering linkage joints. You could have the steering box rebuilt but to get it out you might need to remove the motor i don't know yet because I have not had the motor in my truck yet. I do know it is a tight fit.
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Senior User
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I checked all of the joints and connections, idler arm, tie rods, and etc. nothing seemed like it was in a bind. I thought about the steering box, which to me would be the only other thing that it could be. It is a tight fit, but I think it could be removed without pulling the engine. I just wanted to get some other opinons before I pulled the box.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
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From: Tucson AZ
I am not a Volare user, but I do know that the preloads and centering adjustment on them is extremely critical/touchy. Try a Chilton manual to see what the starting point should be. hope that helps.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
no Volare expert either, but if you jack the weight up off the front end does it steer freely? Does it get considerably easier to turn when you start the engine? Did you by chance put teflon tape on the hose connections? (I have seen excess tape plug a hose The connection are supposed to be self sealing no sealant needed) You haven't by chance crossed the hoses and connected the pressure side of the pump to the return side of the box? (some use different sized fittings to avoid that possibility, but when doing swaps/adapting stranger things have happened.)
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I am not an expert on these Volares either, I sure wish that I was. I wish that I could talk with a Dodge mechanic that would have worked on these things 25 or 30 years ago. When the truck is up on stands it seems to turn pretty easy, but there is no weight on the tires. Actually there is no difference in the steering with the engine running. The high pressure and return lines are connected right, and I didn't use any kind of tape on the fittings. Thanks for your comments.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
If there is no difference with the engine running, and there is no binding with the weight off, then check the fluid level if that's OK then it's time to pull the box (since you have already replaced the what may have been a good pump).
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: okla
No help on the diagnosis, however I did buy a rebuilt sector from Napa for about $150, I think.
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Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: High Park, Toronto
B4 the box, what about the belt?
What kind of belt are you using? Is it serpentine? Is it correctly installed? Is the tension set right? 
I know tthese are dumb questions but... sometimes I overlook the obvious or simple stuff on my own projects.
GW
I know tthese are dumb questions but... sometimes I overlook the obvious or simple stuff on my own projects.
GW
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Adams,CO.
A clogged hose, or even a stuck check valve in the pump. Is the pump ok?? Check also the u-Joint while u are at it. Start the process of elimination: column at joint first,then at the pitman arm. Post back with results please. Good luck.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 954
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From: 15 miles west of Venus
I know there are serpentine waterpumps and v-belt ones. They turn opposite directions.
Can you see fluid moving when you look inside the pump while it is running?
Is the fluid getting hot quickly like it is making pressure, just not circulating?
There is a (shuttle valve?) in the top of the steering box. The casting that the pressure and return lines attach has oblong holes that allow the the casting to move. If it is too far one way, it tries to turn when you let go of the wheel.
If you are making pressure, my guess is that the shuttle valve is stuck. It pokes in a hole under the casting.
Can you see fluid moving when you look inside the pump while it is running?
Is the fluid getting hot quickly like it is making pressure, just not circulating?
There is a (shuttle valve?) in the top of the steering box. The casting that the pressure and return lines attach has oblong holes that allow the the casting to move. If it is too far one way, it tries to turn when you let go of the wheel.
If you are making pressure, my guess is that the shuttle valve is stuck. It pokes in a hole under the casting.
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