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new power steering pump, same old problem

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Old Sep 8, 2006 | 11:06 PM
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sean23johnson's Avatar
sean23johnson
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new power steering pump, same old problem

i installed a new power steering pump today and my truck steers the same. the steering is so loose it feels like the front tires are in the air. the truck will not return to center after i turn the wheel. i need some help badly.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2006 | 11:21 PM
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ccg711
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I may be new to your problems so forgive me if this has been suggested, but have you adjusted the steering box? the is a screw to adjust gear mesh inside the box to tighten up the steering. should be on top of the box with a locking nut. there was a post a few days back talking about it. might try looking for it. also some people talking about having loose pitman arms on the box. just some suggestions.
Chad
 
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Old Sep 8, 2006 | 11:23 PM
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thanks for the quick reply. i have adjusted the box and checked out all the steering components.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2006 | 11:48 PM
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if your wheel are not returning to center then that is a definite sign of a caster problem and the front end should be aligned
 
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Old Sep 11, 2006 | 11:16 PM
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what could be wrong with the caster? there is no way to move the caster sleevs in the knuckls. could the box be bypassing for some reason?
 
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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 01:26 AM
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caster can get out of alignment just by hitting bumps or going through puddles. really when i comes to alignment anything is possible.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 12:39 PM
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I've read on this site that to adjust the alignment (caster/camber), it takes a special offset bushing. I would think that most shops will have these by now. Have you checked the hub bearings? I'd remove the tires and the brake caliper then check for any play in the hubs. Also check for smooth rotation of the hubs.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 08:56 PM
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the hubs are great. i replaced the knuckle balljoints 11 months ago and everything looks great there too. all the steering links look and feel good. the box has a lot of play in it. i adjusted the adjustment screw and there still is a lot of slop in it. i think i will replace the box and see where that leads me. do any of you guys think it could be something in the hydroboost?
 
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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 09:50 PM
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Originally Posted by sean23johnson
i adjusted the adjustment screw and there still is a lot of slop in it. i think i will replace the box and see where that leads me. do any of you guys think it could be something in the hydroboost?
Uhh, no. I know my tires are not wearing properly so I inquired at the dealer. There are a total of 3 shops in town that can align my truck, one of them being the dealer. $200 not including spacers/shims/bushings if needed. And they are likely needed. I did some quick math, looked at the tires and decided I would rotate and wear them out before worrying about an alignment.

Why do you think the hydroboost is your prob? Caster is what centers the wheels. Slop/play is in the box, worn joints or bearings. I think you have a joint or bearing prob. Those big tires lead me to this conclusion along with the fact you have a new box and have probably not helped yourself by adjusting the system as it came set from the plant.
 
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Old Sep 16, 2006 | 09:37 PM
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i replaced the steering box today and that fixed my problem. my truck drives like new. thanks guys for all your help.
 
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Old Sep 16, 2006 | 11:02 PM
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That's good to know. I am getting some slop in my '99 Crewcab and have had several alignments. I'll have them look at the steering box, at a new shop!
 
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