i bought my 79 f150 custom 4x4 460 c6 about 5 months ago and right away the power steering pump was leaking, i just kept adding fluid to it as needed. then about 3 months ago my distributor went out on me at my girlfriends house so i had to get a trailer to get it home. since we couldnt start the truck we had to turn without power steering to get my truck on the trailer, my truck sat at home for about 3 days before we got it running again. but as soon as we did my truck had no power steering, the steering is as tight as if the key is off and you're trying to turn the wheels. i checked the fluid, it was full, all the lines were ok. i never had the time or money to fix it so ive been driving like that for a few months until today when i got a power steering pump off a friends 79. i got it all hooked up and running again and took it down the road and back and i noticed no change. i need to put some fluid in it still but the pump doesnt even "whine" it never did since its been like that. if i put fluid in the new pump and i still get nothing, what else could it be? is there something in the steering box or column that makes the steering this tight? thanks guys for any advice.

 

Where is the leak coming from, was it fixed, it seems like grime in the steering gear box, I would buy a rebuilt or do a overhaul kit on the steering gear box.

 

i put some fluid in it this afternoon, now my steering is somewhat tight at first but then i feel like im gonna spin my steering wheel off. also it "whines" and makes all sorts of wierd noises that i dont like. i asked a guy at work and he told me there is just air in the pump which is causing it to be tight then loose, he said just to drive and it will eventually go away, is this true? is there anything else i can do to get rid of the "whining" and the awkward steering? thanks.

 

1. Raise the truck up with a jack and put jack stands. Now remove the coil wire.

2. Turn the ignition key to engage the starter (engine will not start), rotate the steering wheel right to left one time and back to center.

3. In the engine compartment inspect the power steering fluid in the power steering pump unit for air bubbles. Make sure all air bubbles have lifted and cleared in the powersteering unit. Top off to the recommended level on the power steering dip stick with TYPE F transmission fluid which is recommended for these power steering unit.

4. Turn the ignition key to engage the starter (engine will not start), rotate the steering wheel right to left one time and back to center.

5. In the engine compartment inspect the power steering fluid in the power steering pump unit for air bubbles. Make sure all air bubbles have lifted and cleared in the powersteering unit. Top off to the recommended level on the power steering dip stick with TYPE F transmission fluid which is recommended for these power steering unit.

6.Continue this bleeding process till you see no air bubbles (step 4. and step 5.) .

7. Now place the coil wire on truck and start the engine. If the power steering continues to make noise, you will have to replace the power steering pump.

You can now remove the floor jack stands from under your truck. It is important that you use Type F on the power steering unit.

 

That is great advise 1975FORD, but I have questions:

How do you tell if the power steering pump has bubbles on the older style '73-76 pumps? They have the skinny/narrow filler tube...on the FE's...

Is it possible to convert to the larger diameter filler tubes that are common on the '78-79'...?


Thanks,
biz

 

Glad to hear I am not the only person with power steering woes. I too have a '75...but it is a F100 2wd. I just replaced a leaky gearbox...and have no idea how to look for bubbles. I also used STP Power Steering fluid. Do I need to drain this out and replace it with Type F transmission fliuid? My issue right now is lots of play in the steering and a pump that occasionally whines. Trying to get thoughts on the cause....

 

biz4two, You will need a flash light or drop light to inspect the fluid for air bubbles. You might need to top it off to the correct level, if the power steering reservior is low on Type F transmission fluid. I have not seen any conversion for the power steering pump.


budinindy, I would try bleeding the system as was mentioned on previous post.
The play is probably due to worn part(s).
Inpect for worn parts or play, any of the following:

1. Inpect the tie rod ends.
2. Check the steering gear box for play. Can tighten the sector shaft adjustment screw to reduce play, do not overtighten.
3. Check the steering gear box mounting bolts are tight.
4. Check radius arm bushings for wear or crack.
5. Check gear coupling assembly (aka rag joint) on the steering column rod for play.
6. Check the shaft and joint assembly on the steering column rod for play.
7. Check for play the drag link.
8. Inspect the front wheel. (the front wheel bearings)
9. Inpect the king pins (aka spindle bolt).
10. Verify correct tension on power steering belt. (tighten belt if neccessary).

__________________________________________________ _________________

_1975Ford__________________________________________________ _________
1975 Ford F150, 4x4, 390cid, 4 speed
1975 Ford F250, 4x4, 400cid, 4 speed
1976 Ford F150, 4x4, 360cid, 4 speed
1978 Ford F150, 4x2, 302cid, 4 speed

 

Thanks 1975Ford! To bad about the conversion...but will try something on my own. I think if I can modify the current power steering bracket...blah blah...guess I'll think about it more...

 

biz4two, Keep us posted if you get the other system to work for you. Surely would appreciate it. Good luck.

 

Insert the dipstick and quickly remove/inspect. If there are bubbles in the fluid, there will be bubbles on the dipstick-for a moment.

 

is it really helpful to use tranny fluid in the power steering pump on a 79? ive always used regular power steering fluid.

 

That's the Ford spec through many years. It might even be stamped on the dipstick. Too bad the stuff got expensive...

If you still have the bottle, read the fine print. I fit says NOT to use in the Ford, you have a problem.

 

1979 F100, adapted 4X4, 460, C6.

I have the same problem. From time to time, the steering will act like it is manual steering. I have replaced the pump, bleed the air, everything I can think of.

I have gone so far as to tear down the Gearbox and inspect it. I can not see anything wrong. I have been guessing that I have a piece of rubber floating in the system as it will just lock for no reason at any time.

Problem is, and maybe someone can help here, where can I find a breakdown of parts and what the specs on the Gearbox is. The steering is the last thing I have left in my 4X4 build and 460 transplant, and I am pulling the Gearbox tonight when I get home. I need to look for possible causes.

 

power steering pumps usually just fail give no warning usaully. even a new rebuild could be faulty or one yo ugot of a donor pickup.i have a 76 f 250 with true power steering and the newer pump and it just bolted right on no modifications to the bracket. for the pump for the true power steering there was some work that was done there but takes to long to write. usually you can call ford and they can fax you a parts break down of gear boxes and those things.

 

Are you talking about the pump with a large diameter fill hole? Where did you get (purchase) the pump?

Thanks,
biz