power steering

[ponyexpress]

Hi guys, I am just getting my truck back together. Just started the motor for the first time this week. I added power steering fluid to the reservoir and got in the truck to start it. Got it running and the steering wheel was turning to the right.It went about 1 1/2 revolutions to the right and I never touched it. What would cause this? I have a slight drip of steering fluid under the steering box. It is not leaking from any of the lines or reservoir.

[basketcase0302]

ponyexpress » Thu Jun 09, 2016 7:48 pm

Hi guys, I am just getting my truck back together. Just started the motor for the first time this week. I added power steering fluid to the reservoir and got in the truck to start it. Got it running and the steering wheel was turning to the right.It went about 1 1/2 revolutions to the right and I never touched it. What would cause this? I have a slight drip of steering fluid under the steering box. It is not leaking from any of the lines or reservoir.

The valving in the steering box would be the only thing that could cause this.
Has the truck been sitting for awhile / contaminants (dirt) gotten into the uncapped hoses or box or pump?
There is a filter you can put into the system but you'll have to do the search on it.

I'd try to jack it up off the ground and "burp" it by turning from lock to lock three or four times first.

[mulletmobile]

ponyexpress, just checking in to see if you have had a chance to take a look at this and found a solution yet? Getting ready to put in power steering on mine so pounding through all the articles and seeing what I may need to look out for.

[basketcase0302]

mulletmobile » Tue Jul 12, 2016 11:01 am

ponyexpress, just checking in to see if you have had a chance to take a look at this and found a solution yet? Getting ready to put in power steering on mine so pounding through all the articles and seeing what I may need to look out for.

This is not a common problem or issue. Had to have gotten contaminants into the steering box, (maybe left lying around with no hoses and no caps in the ports)?

[timfamilyman]

I find this very interesting. Just rebuilt a "tagged" power steering gear in my 74 F100 2wd. The steering wheel very forcefully turns to the left as far as travel allows. With the engine off, I can turn it to the right. We tried burping it to no improvement. The rebuild kit didn't discuss the valve except to make sure it rotated freely in the piston bore. Any help much appreciated.

[basketcase0302]

timfamilyman » Sun Aug 14, 2016 6:30 pm

I find this very interesting. Just rebuilt a "tagged" power steering gear in my 74 F100 2wd. The steering wheel very forcefully turns to the left as far as travel allows. With the engine off, I can turn it to the right. We tried burping it to no improvement. The rebuild kit didn't discuss the valve except to make sure it rotated freely in the piston bore. Any help much appreciated.

Ensure you haven't switched the hoses around on the wrong ports, (can't remember which one the suction should be on maybe someone here can chime in on that).
If the hoses are not switched- I'd say it's time to tear back into the valving to make sure the assembly went together correctly.