Steering Pump Question
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From: Missoula, MT
Steering Pump Question
I've noticed on my truck that if it's parked and running it's developed a nasty case of "Armstrong Steering". If it is moving, even at a snails pace I can turn the wheels with no effort. I put 33" tires on it last year at some point. I remember changing out the steering stabilizer, but don't remember if I did it due to the "Armstrong" effect. I just recently started noticing this and it was brought up in conversation by my buddy who is currently "borrowing" the truck. Could this be a Steering Pump making a valiant effort at rearing it's ugly head? All fluids are OK. I'm leaning towards the weight of the tires. BTW...they are running about 20 PSI lower than max to "soften" the ride.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Texas
Hey, you got your truck back!
I just had a sterring box and pump replaced at D&S in San Antonio. Not sure if there is a test they can run...I didn't need a test, the gear box was dropping oil all over the place and the pump was screaming. D&S is a local shop that is certified to work on Ford steering issues. Sorry, that's all the help I am on this issue.
I just had a sterring box and pump replaced at D&S in San Antonio. Not sure if there is a test they can run...I didn't need a test, the gear box was dropping oil all over the place and the pump was screaming. D&S is a local shop that is certified to work on Ford steering issues. Sorry, that's all the help I am on this issue.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
Likes: 5
From: Corvallis, OR
The brakes use the power steering pump as well for braking assist, if you have your foot on the brakes, steering effort increases a lot. Usually if I need to turn at a stop I let my foot off the brake or feather it while turning.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 516
Likes: 8
From: Milwaukie, Oregon
sounds like the wieght and size of your tires wore something out. the whole cause and effect thing is kinda happening here. if it is really noticeable you might have something bad happening. but then again your buddy might not be used to driving a truck with bigger tires and notices the difference. in the end it does put more stress on the power steering system. and yes your hydroboost unit helps with breaking effort and could contribute to loss of power steering "help". but it wouldnt take enough effort away that you couldn't turn the wheel. of all the trucks i've had i've had no problem even with ones with fatty tires. i'd say you wore out your steering box or your steering pump. if the pump is screaming with the wheel straight then you might have a problem. one way to test the pump is to turn the wheel to full lock and listen for the screaming banshee under your hood. thats a pretty good indicator. as for a steering box they are a little harder to condem as the problem. you have to rule out everything else in the power steering system to know that it is the steering gear. at least thats what i do. good luck
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From: Missoula, MT
I went to Houston yesterday and talked with him....and saw my baby!! I just told him not to turn the wheels stationary. There are no noises (screaming or squaling ps pump) or anything like that. It's just something I've recently started paying attention to, situations like pulling into a parking spot and straightening the wheels to prevent the steering wheel locking with wheels turned before I shut the truck off. There's nothing like a good ol' fashioned arm wrestling match with your steering wheel while your trying to turn the key to start the truck.
In my spare time I've been cussing this chevy I'm driving. Spent the better part of the day doing maintenance that I believe has been blown off....spark plugs, wires, greasing linkages, and now it looks like I have to change hub bearings on the stupid thing. I caught hell just trying to change the damned wiper blades! I HATE THIS TRUCK (CHEVY)!!!!!
In my spare time I've been cussing this chevy I'm driving. Spent the better part of the day doing maintenance that I believe has been blown off....spark plugs, wires, greasing linkages, and now it looks like I have to change hub bearings on the stupid thing. I caught hell just trying to change the damned wiper blades! I HATE THIS TRUCK (CHEVY)!!!!!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Alcaeus
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
27
Oct 14, 2009 12:56 AM
speedrdr
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
5
Apr 15, 2007 03:24 PM
craighix
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Mar 31, 2007 03:12 PM
