Hey guys need some help. My power steering is acting up, but isn't quite broken. When heavy on the throttle it feels very similar to torque steer in a front wheel drive car, and when making turns the steering wheel loses 'center'. By which i mean if you are making a turn that requires the wheel to be turned 45 degrees left for a second or so, it thinks that is it's neitral state and fights you all the way back to center, then once its held in position it resets itself to neutral state.

There is no whine from my power steering pump, all the lines are good, no leaks, fluid is full and normal color, and the truck does have a power steering cooler.

Only thing I can think of that would cause this problem is a bad valve or somethin within the gearbox or somethin. Is there rebuild kits for the power steering gearbox?

Also I have a rancho steering stabilizer that is rusty as all get out but doesnt appear to be defective. No binding or apparent fluid loss, could this be part of the problem? My old one when it went bad messed my steering all up, but not like this. Any insights are greatly appreciated, thanks guys!

 

hey did I miss somthing what happened with the pot hole and the insurance,,, and the bent truck and the ,,,might not be covered???????

 

It sounds like the PS box. Any more info (new parts etc)/ You can't rebuild a PS box and nobody I know has even had one apart. They just replace them. I have to do mine but have to get a puller and a wrench for the pitman arm. There is a valve in there. I think that is what is wrong with mine. Does it do it all the time/

 

Yeah thats was a cluster... my comp died right around that time and I cant recall if I ever posted a conclusion. The frame is diamond but that didnt cause the issue, but the truck was messed up, when lifted up in the air and set back down it only sits 1/4" cockeyed. I have a hypothesis but its far fetched...

As for the box, think the truck is safe to go from Flint MI to ocean side NY?

 

Coming to Oceanside Long Island?

Definitely sounds like the steering box. There is probably a rebuild kit, but you won't want to be doing the work yourself. The spool valve is replaceable, but good luck on finding one.

 

Coming to Oceanside Long Island?

Definitely sounds like the steering box. There is probably a rebuild kit, but you won't want to be doing the work yourself. The spool valve is replaceable, but good luck on finding one.

 

Yup too oceanside, my buddy just bought a triumph motorcycle and needs to find a way to get it. I was thinkin about making the drive for the right price but...

As for this spool valve, is that somethin that commonly goes out? I have had steering boxes apart before and there really aint much too em other than a valve or 2. Not a job I want to do myself, but I'm still jobless and really broke and cant afford a new box.

 

The spool valve is what the input shaft connects to. It has what amounts to two/three discs in it, that have springs between them, that as you turn the input shaft one way and the output (sector) shaft doesn't move, the more force you put into the input shaft, the more the holes in the discs line up and allow fluid to go one way or another.

There are seals on the outer diameter of the discs, and if they leak you can get fluid passing one way or another without ANY steering wheel input and it'll push the steering one way or another.

You can probably get a "rebuilt" box cheaper than (or the same as) a spool valve, if you can even find one.

 

The spool valve is what the input shaft connects to. It has what amounts to two/three discs in it, that have springs between them, that as you turn the input shaft one way and the output (sector) shaft doesn't move, the more force you put into the input shaft, the more the holes in the discs line up and allow fluid to go one way or another.

There are seals on the outer diameter of the discs, and if they leak you can get fluid passing one way or another without ANY steering wheel input and it'll push the steering one way or another.

You can probably get a "rebuilt" box cheaper than (or the same as) a spool valve, if you can even find one.

 

Thanks, I've been wondering about that valve for a long time. You are one of the few people that know about it. Mine seems to have a mind of it's own sometimes and just occasionally also.

 

Did you try disconnecting the steering stabilizer to see if anything changes? Dan.

 

I don't know how this will turn out, but this is the diagnosis section from my '01 service manual CD:

Steering System


Special Service Tool(s)


Dial Thermometer 0-220ºF
023-R0007 or Equivalent


Hand Held Automotive Meter
105-R0053 or Equivalent


Power Steering Analyzer
211-F001 (014-00207) or Equivalent


Tach Adapter
418-F102 (007-00061) or Equivalent


Inspection and Verification

CAUTION:
Do not hold the steering wheel (3600) at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump (3A674) will result.

Note:
Make the following preliminary check before repairing the steering system:

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the steering system.

2. Inspect Tires

l Check tire pressure; refer to the Vehicle Certification (VC) Label.

l Verify that all tires are sized to specification; for additional information, refer to «Section 204-04».

l Inspect the tires for damage or uneven wear.

3. Belt and Tensioner Check

l Refer to «Section 303-05» for diagnosis and testing of the accessory drive system.

4. Fluid Level Check

l Verify that the power steering fluid level is at the full (F) mark. Add Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.

5. Air Bleeding

l Verify that there is no air in the power steering system. Run the engine (6007) until it reaches normal operating temperature. Turn the steering wheel to the left and right several times without hitting the stops. If any air bubbles are present, refer to «Purging—CII Power Steering Pump», «Purging—CIII Power Steering Pump» or «Purging—ZF Power Steering Pump» in this section.

6. External Leak Check

l With the ignition switch at OFF, wipe off the power steering pump, power steering pressure hose (3A719), power steering return hose, power steering fluid cooler (3D746) and steering gear (3504).

l With the engine running, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times. Do not hold steering wheel at stops. Check for leaks. Repair as necessary if leaks are observed.

7. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage; refer to the following chart.


Visual Inspection Chart
ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿
³ Mechanical ³
ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´
³ ù Loose tie rod ends ³
³ ù Loose suspension components ³
³ ù Loose steering column shaft universal joints ³
³ ù Loose steering gear mounting bolts ³
³ ù Binding or misaligned steering column ³
³ ù Power steering pump ³
³ ù Bent or pinched power steering lines ³
ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ

8. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported malfunction is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

9. If the fault is not visually evident, determine the symptom and proceed to the following symptom chart.


Steering System Symptom Definitions

Drift/Pull

Pull is a tugging sensation, felt by the hands on the steering wheel, that must be overcome to keep the vehicle going straight.

Drift describes what a vehicle with this condition does with hands off the steering wheel.

l A vehicle-related drift/pull, on a flat road, will cause a consistent deviation from the straight-ahead path and require constant steering input in the opposite direction to counteract the effect.

l Drift/pull may be induced by conditions external to the vehicle (i.e., wind, road camber).

Excessive Steering Wheel Play

Excessive steering wheel play is a condition in which there is too much steering wheel movement before the wheels move. A small amount of steering wheel free play is considered normal.

Feedback

Feedback is a roughness felt in the steering wheel when the vehicle is driven over rough pavement.

Hard Steering or Lack of Assist

Hard steering can remain constant through the full turn or occur near the end of a turn. It is important to know the difference between hard steering/lack of assist and binding.

Hard steering or lack of assist can result from either hydraulic or mechanical conditions. It is extremely important to know if this concern occurs during driving, during very heavy or static parking maneuvers.

Nibble

Sometimes confused with shimmy, nibble is a condition resulting from tire interaction with various road surfaces and observed by the driver as small rotational oscillations of the steering wheel.

Poor Returnability/Sticky Steering

Poor returnability and sticky steering is used to describe the poor return of the steering wheel to center after a turn or the steering correction is completed.

Shimmy

Shimmy, as observed by the driver, is large, consistent, rotational oscillations of the steering wheel resulting from large, side-to-side (lateral) tire/wheel movements.

Shimmy is usually experienced near 64 km/h (40 mph), and can begin or be amplified when the tire contacts pot holes or irregularities in the road surface.

Wander

Wander is the tendency of the vehicle to require frequent, random left and right steering wheel corrections to maintain a straight path down a level road.


Symptom Chart


Condition(s):

o Hard Steering or Lack of Assist

o Excessive Steering Pump Noise

o Excessive Steering Wheel Play

o Wander

o Drift/Pull

o Feedback

o Sticky Steering, Poor Returnability

o Shimmy


Component Tests


Steering Linkage

1. Note:
Excessive vertical motion of the studs relative to the sockets may indicate excessive wear.

With the parking brake applied, perform the following:

l Have an assistant rotate the steering wheel back and forth 360 degrees and watch for relative motion of the studs in the steering linkage ball sockets.

l Watch for loose steering gear mounting.

2. Another method is to raise the front wheels (1007) off the ground, grasp the wheel at the front and rear and watch for excessive play or binding in the joints while trying to steer the wheels.

3. Replace or tighten any worn, damaged, or loose tie rods, tie rod ends, linkages or components. Refer to the appropriate Group 2 steering section.


Pump Flow and Pressure Test

WARNING:
Do not touch the flowmeter during the test procedure, or severe burns and serious injury may occur.

1. CAUTION:
Make sure that the connection point will not interfere with any of the engine accessory drive components or drive belts.

Install the Power Steering Analyzer at the high pressure port of the power steering pump. Make sure the Power Steering Analyzer gate valve is fully open.

l On some vehicles, the power steering pump high pressure port is inaccessible and the Power Steering Analyzer should then be installed either at the steering gear or at a point in the high pressure line between the power steering pump and the steering gear.

2. Place a Dial Thermometer in the power steering oil reservoir.

3. Check the power steering fluid level. If necessary, add power steering fluid.

l Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.

4. Install a digital tachometer.

5. CAUTION:
Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.

Start the engine. Place the transmission in neutral. Set the parking brake. Raise the power steering fluid temperature to 74-80ºC (165-175ºF) by rotating the steering wheel fully to the left and right several times.

6. Set the engine speed to 1500 rpm. Record the flow rate and pressure readings.

l If the flow rate is below the flow rate specification, the power steering pump may require replacement. Continue with the test procedure.

l If the pressure reading is above the maximum pressure specification, then check power steering hoses for kinks and restrictions.

7. Partially close the gate valve to obtain 750 psi. Set the engine speed at idle. Record the flow rate.

l If the flow is less than the specified flow rate, then replace the power steering pump.

8. CAUTION:
Do not allow the gate valve to remain closed for more than 5 seconds.

Completely close and partially open the gate valve 3 times. Record the pressure relief valve actuation pressure reading.

l If the pressure does not meet the relief pressure specification, then replace the power steering pump.

9. Set engine speed to 1500 rpm. Record the flow rate.

l If the flow rate varies more than 3.785 liters/minute (1 gallon/minute) from the initial flow rate reading, then replace the power steering pump.

10. CAUTION:
Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.

Set the engine speed at idle. Turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel to the left and right stops. Record flow rate and pressure readings at the stops.

l The pressure reading at both stops should be nearly the same as the maximum pump relief pressure.

l The flow rate should drop below 1.9 liters/minute (0.5 gallons/minute).

l If the pressure does not reach the maximum pump relief pressure or the flow rate does not drop below the specified value, excessive internal leakage is occurring. Repair or replace the steering gear as necessary; for additional information, refer to «Section 211-02».

11. Turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel slightly in both directions and release quickly while watching the pressure gauge.

l The pressure reading should move from the normal back pressure reading and snap back as the steering wheel is released.

l If the pressure returns slowly or sticks, the rotary valve in the steering gear is sticking or the steering column is binding. Check the steering column and linkages before servicing the steering gear.


Steering Gear Valve

1. With the vehicle in motion, place the transmission in NEUTRAL and turn the engine OFF.

l If the vehicle does not pull with the engine OFF, repair or replace the steering gear; for additional information, refer to «Section 211-02».

2. If the vehicle pulls with the engine OFF, cross-switch the front wheels.

l If the vehicle pulls to the opposite side, cross-switch the front and rear wheels on the same side.

3. If the vehicle pull direction does not change, check the front suspension components, wheel alignment and frame alignment; for additional information, refer to «Section 204-00» or an appropriate frame dimensions manual.

 

I don't know how this will turn out, but this is the diagnosis section from my '01 service manual CD:

Steering System


Special Service Tool(s)


Dial Thermometer 0-220ºF
023-R0007 or Equivalent


Hand Held Automotive Meter
105-R0053 or Equivalent


Power Steering Analyzer
211-F001 (014-00207) or Equivalent


Tach Adapter
418-F102 (007-00061) or Equivalent


Inspection and Verification

CAUTION:
Do not hold the steering wheel (3600) at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump (3A674) will result.

Note:
Make the following preliminary check before repairing the steering system:

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the steering system.

2. Inspect Tires

l Check tire pressure; refer to the Vehicle Certification (VC) Label.

l Verify that all tires are sized to specification; for additional information, refer to «Section 204-04».

l Inspect the tires for damage or uneven wear.

3. Belt and Tensioner Check

l Refer to «Section 303-05» for diagnosis and testing of the accessory drive system.

4. Fluid Level Check

l Verify that the power steering fluid level is at the full (F) mark. Add Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.

5. Air Bleeding

l Verify that there is no air in the power steering system. Run the engine (6007) until it reaches normal operating temperature. Turn the steering wheel to the left and right several times without hitting the stops. If any air bubbles are present, refer to «Purging—CII Power Steering Pump», «Purging—CIII Power Steering Pump» or «Purging—ZF Power Steering Pump» in this section.

6. External Leak Check

l With the ignition switch at OFF, wipe off the power steering pump, power steering pressure hose (3A719), power steering return hose, power steering fluid cooler (3D746) and steering gear (3504).

l With the engine running, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times. Do not hold steering wheel at stops. Check for leaks. Repair as necessary if leaks are observed.

7. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage; refer to the following chart.


Visual Inspection Chart
ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿
³ Mechanical ³
ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´
³ ù Loose tie rod ends ³
³ ù Loose suspension components ³
³ ù Loose steering column shaft universal joints ³
³ ù Loose steering gear mounting bolts ³
³ ù Binding or misaligned steering column ³
³ ù Power steering pump ³
³ ù Bent or pinched power steering lines ³
ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ

8. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported malfunction is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

9. If the fault is not visually evident, determine the symptom and proceed to the following symptom chart.


Steering System Symptom Definitions

Drift/Pull

Pull is a tugging sensation, felt by the hands on the steering wheel, that must be overcome to keep the vehicle going straight.

Drift describes what a vehicle with this condition does with hands off the steering wheel.

l A vehicle-related drift/pull, on a flat road, will cause a consistent deviation from the straight-ahead path and require constant steering input in the opposite direction to counteract the effect.

l Drift/pull may be induced by conditions external to the vehicle (i.e., wind, road camber).

Excessive Steering Wheel Play

Excessive steering wheel play is a condition in which there is too much steering wheel movement before the wheels move. A small amount of steering wheel free play is considered normal.

Feedback

Feedback is a roughness felt in the steering wheel when the vehicle is driven over rough pavement.

Hard Steering or Lack of Assist

Hard steering can remain constant through the full turn or occur near the end of a turn. It is important to know the difference between hard steering/lack of assist and binding.

Hard steering or lack of assist can result from either hydraulic or mechanical conditions. It is extremely important to know if this concern occurs during driving, during very heavy or static parking maneuvers.

Nibble

Sometimes confused with shimmy, nibble is a condition resulting from tire interaction with various road surfaces and observed by the driver as small rotational oscillations of the steering wheel.

Poor Returnability/Sticky Steering

Poor returnability and sticky steering is used to describe the poor return of the steering wheel to center after a turn or the steering correction is completed.

Shimmy

Shimmy, as observed by the driver, is large, consistent, rotational oscillations of the steering wheel resulting from large, side-to-side (lateral) tire/wheel movements.

Shimmy is usually experienced near 64 km/h (40 mph), and can begin or be amplified when the tire contacts pot holes or irregularities in the road surface.

Wander

Wander is the tendency of the vehicle to require frequent, random left and right steering wheel corrections to maintain a straight path down a level road.


Symptom Chart


Condition(s):

o Hard Steering or Lack of Assist

o Excessive Steering Pump Noise

o Excessive Steering Wheel Play

o Wander

o Drift/Pull

o Feedback

o Sticky Steering, Poor Returnability

o Shimmy


Component Tests


Steering Linkage

1. Note:
Excessive vertical motion of the studs relative to the sockets may indicate excessive wear.

With the parking brake applied, perform the following:

l Have an assistant rotate the steering wheel back and forth 360 degrees and watch for relative motion of the studs in the steering linkage ball sockets.

l Watch for loose steering gear mounting.

2. Another method is to raise the front wheels (1007) off the ground, grasp the wheel at the front and rear and watch for excessive play or binding in the joints while trying to steer the wheels.

3. Replace or tighten any worn, damaged, or loose tie rods, tie rod ends, linkages or components. Refer to the appropriate Group 2 steering section.


Pump Flow and Pressure Test

WARNING:
Do not touch the flowmeter during the test procedure, or severe burns and serious injury may occur.

1. CAUTION:
Make sure that the connection point will not interfere with any of the engine accessory drive components or drive belts.

Install the Power Steering Analyzer at the high pressure port of the power steering pump. Make sure the Power Steering Analyzer gate valve is fully open.

l On some vehicles, the power steering pump high pressure port is inaccessible and the Power Steering Analyzer should then be installed either at the steering gear or at a point in the high pressure line between the power steering pump and the steering gear.

2. Place a Dial Thermometer in the power steering oil reservoir.

3. Check the power steering fluid level. If necessary, add power steering fluid.

l Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.

4. Install a digital tachometer.

5. CAUTION:
Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.

Start the engine. Place the transmission in neutral. Set the parking brake. Raise the power steering fluid temperature to 74-80ºC (165-175ºF) by rotating the steering wheel fully to the left and right several times.

6. Set the engine speed to 1500 rpm. Record the flow rate and pressure readings.

l If the flow rate is below the flow rate specification, the power steering pump may require replacement. Continue with the test procedure.

l If the pressure reading is above the maximum pressure specification, then check power steering hoses for kinks and restrictions.

7. Partially close the gate valve to obtain 750 psi. Set the engine speed at idle. Record the flow rate.

l If the flow is less than the specified flow rate, then replace the power steering pump.

8. CAUTION:
Do not allow the gate valve to remain closed for more than 5 seconds.

Completely close and partially open the gate valve 3 times. Record the pressure relief valve actuation pressure reading.

l If the pressure does not meet the relief pressure specification, then replace the power steering pump.

9. Set engine speed to 1500 rpm. Record the flow rate.

l If the flow rate varies more than 3.785 liters/minute (1 gallon/minute) from the initial flow rate reading, then replace the power steering pump.

10. CAUTION:
Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.

Set the engine speed at idle. Turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel to the left and right stops. Record flow rate and pressure readings at the stops.

l The pressure reading at both stops should be nearly the same as the maximum pump relief pressure.

l The flow rate should drop below 1.9 liters/minute (0.5 gallons/minute).

l If the pressure does not reach the maximum pump relief pressure or the flow rate does not drop below the specified value, excessive internal leakage is occurring. Repair or replace the steering gear as necessary; for additional information, refer to «Section 211-02».

11. Turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel slightly in both directions and release quickly while watching the pressure gauge.

l The pressure reading should move from the normal back pressure reading and snap back as the steering wheel is released.

l If the pressure returns slowly or sticks, the rotary valve in the steering gear is sticking or the steering column is binding. Check the steering column and linkages before servicing the steering gear.


Steering Gear Valve

1. With the vehicle in motion, place the transmission in NEUTRAL and turn the engine OFF.

l If the vehicle does not pull with the engine OFF, repair or replace the steering gear; for additional information, refer to «Section 211-02».

2. If the vehicle pulls with the engine OFF, cross-switch the front wheels.

l If the vehicle pulls to the opposite side, cross-switch the front and rear wheels on the same side.

3. If the vehicle pull direction does not change, check the front suspension components, wheel alignment and frame alignment; for additional information, refer to «Section 204-00» or an appropriate frame dimensions manual.

 

No, I'm sure that is not it but thanks. This is a powerful back and forth pull at slow speeds.

 

Thanks guys!