Power steering: blowing cap off
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Power steering: blowing cap off
Help! I just bought my first 79 Bronco knowing the steering had issues. I just replaced the pump but it did not fix the problem.
When running, if I rev the motor a bit I can turn it to the right but the pump growls. When I try to turn it back to the left it is hard, like I do not have a pump at all.
It seems to build pressure when I turn the wheel as as soon as I shut it of it blows the cap off.
Am I looking at a new steering box or might it be the lines? Nothing appears to be crimped. I usually spend a bunch of money chasing problems so this time I figured I would ask first, then spend the money.
Thanks in advance!
When running, if I rev the motor a bit I can turn it to the right but the pump growls. When I try to turn it back to the left it is hard, like I do not have a pump at all.
It seems to build pressure when I turn the wheel as as soon as I shut it of it blows the cap off.
Am I looking at a new steering box or might it be the lines? Nothing appears to be crimped. I usually spend a bunch of money chasing problems so this time I figured I would ask first, then spend the money.
Thanks in advance!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
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From: Elkhart IN
What kind of fluid is in it? Sounds like problem with air in the lines (cavitation) or a mix of incorrect fliuds (ps fluid and tranny fluid?) My bronco had a similar problem, and it was a case that it had tranny fluid for fluid in it, and I topped it off with power steering fluid.
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I just got the Bronco the other day and put power steering fluid in it. However, what is on the ground appears to have a pinkish tint to it, like tranny fluid.
One thing I tried, which i did not before, was I jacked the Bronco up, started it, and turned the wheel from side to side. It appeared to get better but it still had lots of pressure when I shut it off BUT not as much as before.
How did you fix your problem? Did you drain completely and refill? If so, any tips on making sure I get it completely drained? Thanks a lot man, I think (hope) I am on to something with the help you provided.
One thing I tried, which i did not before, was I jacked the Bronco up, started it, and turned the wheel from side to side. It appeared to get better but it still had lots of pressure when I shut it off BUT not as much as before.
How did you fix your problem? Did you drain completely and refill? If so, any tips on making sure I get it completely drained? Thanks a lot man, I think (hope) I am on to something with the help you provided.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
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From: Elkhart IN
Sounds like the same thing I discovered. I added the fluid when it was dark, in a parking lot and never saw the pink to it. What I did, was I jacked up the front end, and took off the return hose coming from the box on the pump side of the hose. I put it in a container, and started the bronco and kept adding power steering fluid until all I got was clear fluid. Then I had someone turn the wheel back and forth and did the same thing. I put the hose back on and filled it up and I havent had any problems with it since.
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Thanks! I hope this doesn't sound dumb, but I should remove the non-pressure hose (non threaded) from the pump and put a cap over the hole? If I am thinking right, I could put fluid in and not have it run out. Then, with it running the return hose would cycle the fluid into a bucket.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,155
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From: sunny fla sometimes windy
Check the vent on your cap it could be clogged, the little ears that hold it on are not the strongest, If it's building pressure due to a clogged vent it will blow off!!
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It starts by blowing out of the vent, then the cap comes off. If it was plugged it would have likely shot whatever was plugging it through the roof. 
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Whelp, flushed it out with 7 quarts of fluid. Filled it, turned the wheels and thought I was making progress. It started turning easier and then it started again. Now it is turning hard, on the jack stands, and is blowing the cap off.
I think I will try to exchange this pump for a different one and replace the pressure line just to be safe.
I have a hard time thinking that it could be the gear box as it only has 95000 miles on it and was driven by a lady. Man this is frustrating!
Thanks for all the help so far, any other ideas?
I think I will try to exchange this pump for a different one and replace the pressure line just to be safe.
I have a hard time thinking that it could be the gear box as it only has 95000 miles on it and was driven by a lady. Man this is frustrating!
Thanks for all the help so far, any other ideas?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
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From: Elkhart IN
foam points towards cavitation, or air getting into the fluid and causing lots of little bubbles that mess up the whole "hydraulics" system. Does the ps setup leak any fluid? Somewhere, air is getting into it.
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It does not leak anyhwere on the pump. At this point though I should probably hose everything off as it is a mess. Then I can see if the gearbox is leaking. I don't think it is though.
I am going to replace the pressure line tomorrow. Also, it seems to make sense to change the PS cap. As I think about it, it could be pulling in air. Obviously with it being on top it would not leak so it might be hard to detect if the seal is faulty.
I am going to replace the pressure line tomorrow. Also, it seems to make sense to change the PS cap. As I think about it, it could be pulling in air. Obviously with it being on top it would not leak so it might be hard to detect if the seal is faulty.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: between sticks and cows
I have had same problem tried everything above and have had no luck, new pump, new lines, flush fluid and it is still extremely foamy and i have been through 3 caps now. One brand new cap completly shattered under pressure. With 33 inch boggers and no power steering it is impossible to drive. I know this dont help but just letting you know your not alone...... please help!!!!
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