Steering problem
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New User
Joined: Jun 2000
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Steering problem
I have a 1977 Ranger XLT 400M 4X4 W/ power steering. My problem is this: When I turn the first corner the steering doesn't want automatically come back to center. Its like its kinda getting stuck. When its sticking it doesn't however feel like a mechanical bind (just guessing). If I pull over and rotate the wheel aprox. 45° in both directions it seems to cure itself. That is untill the next time it decides to do this after a corner. Its not all the time that it happens and seems to be more frequent in the colder mornings. I have been underneath and checked most everything I can think of and it all seems tight. Any help you could give would be appreciated.
Jason
Jason
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,950
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From: Virginia
Steering problem
I would say when it acts up, if it was something mechanical in the steering linkage binding, would hear the pump straining, the engine slowing down and maybe even the pump belt squealing. If it's not doing this, I would look at the pump/steering box.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,613
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From: Gainesville, FL
Steering problem
1977Ranger
You could have a loose P/S pump belt. When the vehicle is cold your P/S fluid is thicker and the pump works harder to maintain pressure. If the belt is loose and slipping, you'll get this syptom.
Secondly, If you've just adjusted the steering gear box and you've adjusted it to tight, it will stick out of the corners.
Adjust your belt first, then lube your ball joints and drag link. If that doesn't work, replace your P/S pump.
Good luck, Have Fun,
KingFisher
You could have a loose P/S pump belt. When the vehicle is cold your P/S fluid is thicker and the pump works harder to maintain pressure. If the belt is loose and slipping, you'll get this syptom.
Secondly, If you've just adjusted the steering gear box and you've adjusted it to tight, it will stick out of the corners.
Adjust your belt first, then lube your ball joints and drag link. If that doesn't work, replace your P/S pump.
Good luck, Have Fun,
KingFisher
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Joined: Jun 2000
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Steering problem
Well I have narrowed it down to the steering box and started checking around. Could someone tell me that the quote of $600 that I just got for a new one is wrong. Is this really what they are going for? Does anyone have any links that I can check for other prices.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,613
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From: Gainesville, FL
Steering problem
A power steering gear box is worth $159.00. I bought one in detroit last year and I bought one in Florida this year for the exact same price. Good Luck
KingFisher
KingFisher
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From: Albuquerque
Steering problem
I got my last steering box from Pep Boys for about $250.00 rebuilt/exchange. It's still going strong after at least 100,000 miles. I wouldn't bother with a used one unless cash is really tight because you will probably have to do it again in 20,000 or so.
1977 Ford F-100
400m/c6/4:11/Gear Vender O.D.
Crane hydralic roller, forged, ported polished,Deamon,Edlebrock, yada, yada, yada
280,000 miles
Stock on the outside
modified/rebuilt everything
1977 Ford F-100
400m/c6/4:11/Gear Vender O.D.
Crane hydralic roller, forged, ported polished,Deamon,Edlebrock, yada, yada, yada
280,000 miles
Stock on the outside
modified/rebuilt everything
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 52
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Steering problem
Hi
I'd suggest you might have a check valve sticking . This is the valve that tells the fluid which way to go. Try a can of K&W steering additive in it along with new P/S fluid. Not A/Trans fluid either. Drain and flush the system first. If this doesn't help it would probably be good to talk to an older mecanic who knows how to repair rather then just replace. Maybe this will help.
Dave
I'd suggest you might have a check valve sticking . This is the valve that tells the fluid which way to go. Try a can of K&W steering additive in it along with new P/S fluid. Not A/Trans fluid either. Drain and flush the system first. If this doesn't help it would probably be good to talk to an older mecanic who knows how to repair rather then just replace. Maybe this will help.
Dave
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Steering problem
Just put in a new pump today to go with my new gear box I put in last weekend. Sorry for my earlier post, the steering wheel doesn't majically turn back to center without help with a new pump installed (and new box installed). I've come to the conclusion that my 31" tires on 15" rims is probably the biggest culprit to lack of steering wheel return.
