Power steering stiffness
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 920
Likes: 0
From: Westminster, Colorado
Power steering stiffness
ok...first of all, I repaired (rebuilt) everything in the PS system to stock....new pump, lines, and a rebuilt piston on the drag link.....about 2 or 3 years ago, and it has been functioning great.....until recently. I've begun to notice "stiffness" in the steering espectially on extreme right turns, but it seem to happen both directions, sometimes at rev, sometimes at idle and it seems to happen in both directions.....
It feels like the belt is loose, but I have tightened it twice and it has the proper deflection and I hear no squeaking from it.....does the PS fuilid need to be dumped and system flushed from time to time? Or is my pump or piston wearing out?
It seems like I noticed this issue first right after I got it back from the shop....they had replaced the water pump and intake manifold.....the belt seemed a little loose and i tighteneed it...but this problem still persists, to the point were I do not feel like I have PS at all sometimes....
It feels like the belt is loose, but I have tightened it twice and it has the proper deflection and I hear no squeaking from it.....does the PS fuilid need to be dumped and system flushed from time to time? Or is my pump or piston wearing out?
It seems like I noticed this issue first right after I got it back from the shop....they had replaced the water pump and intake manifold.....the belt seemed a little loose and i tighteneed it...but this problem still persists, to the point were I do not feel like I have PS at all sometimes....
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
i have much learning to do myself, and i don't know much about that type of p/s system. i would first look for leaks and check fluid level, if that checks out then i would suspect the pump might be developing problems. i think that if the cylinder was bad it wouldn't produce entermentant problems, rather it just wouldn't work and it be leaking like a siv. or if it did work it probably wouldn't be very effective, but consistant.
these are just my thoughts and the course of action i would take if it were my situation.
these are just my thoughts and the course of action i would take if it were my situation.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 920
Likes: 0
From: Westminster, Colorado
I've checked the fluid several times and it's always at level....and there are no apparent leaks. I am leaning towards the pump being worn out (seems early for that) or possibly a developing problem in one of the hoses.
There is one hose on the control valve that gets rubbed by the nut on the actuating arm that comes off the steering box.....I already had it wear through the original hose that was there...the new one has a plastic guard (that rides up all the time) but I suspect it may have some sort of "crushing" damage that is impeding the fluid flow....
I guess I'll just wait for it to break and hope the snow is gone before I have to lay on the groud to replace it! lol
There is one hose on the control valve that gets rubbed by the nut on the actuating arm that comes off the steering box.....I already had it wear through the original hose that was there...the new one has a plastic guard (that rides up all the time) but I suspect it may have some sort of "crushing" damage that is impeding the fluid flow....
I guess I'll just wait for it to break and hope the snow is gone before I have to lay on the groud to replace it! lol
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,574
Likes: 4
From: Golden, CO
I'm leaning toward pump, although I don't know if there is a proportioning feature incorporated in the control valve. Was a filter added with all the new equipment? How does the fluid look, can you see through it?
ON EDIT: Have you tried greasing the ball joints and steering linkages? Makes a big difference with my armstrong steering.
ON EDIT: Have you tried greasing the ball joints and steering linkages? Makes a big difference with my armstrong steering.
Last edited by Hypoid; Jan 20, 2007 at 12:43 PM.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 920
Likes: 0
From: Westminster, Colorado
there's no filter in the system that I can see, the fluid is still clear when I check it...not to say there isn't some sludge someplace....the shaft of the piston get's pretty dirty being exposed as it is. I will try the grease though.....I know last time I was under there to do the front end, I stopped at the driveshaft as it had no zirc fitting any longer....I paused to laugh and never finished up....
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
AndreVR
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Apr 15, 2014 09:14 PM
mark b
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Oct 29, 2008 05:59 PM
speedrdr
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
5
Apr 15, 2007 03:24 PM
Ford4me302
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
May 26, 2005 05:36 AM