Topic: Power Steering Box

[black99tj]

I had a leaky power steering box for a year now and decided to replace the input and output shaft seals. The entire system was drained of fluid in the process. I never found a proper procedure for adding fluid back into the system. I ended up just filling up the resevior with fluid and starting the jeep while adding fluid as it gets sucked down. The whole system got really foamy and the pump got angry and made really bad noises as got really hot. I let it sit overnight and tried it again today. Took fluid and little to no noise and no leaks. The problem is the wheel wants to pull quite hard to the right on its own while the engine is running. This is without any steering linkage hooked up as well. Is there an air gap on the other side of the piston that will not fill with fluid, or have I added fluid an incorrect way? If anyone has ever done this some insight would be appreciated. Thanks guys

[aw12345]

crank the steering wheel to either side hard while idling the engine. do this several times that should take care of it. Also nothing wrong with hooking the steering linkage up to it. The only gear boxes that used to do this were on chrysler products when the valve spool was not centered. I would hook the steering linkage up then turn the steering wheel from end to end several times while idling the engine if it whines bad let it sit for an hour and try again.

[jagular7]

You would also want to turn the steering wheel back/forth from stop to stop without the pump working. You are bleeding the air out of the system. Remember air compresses with pressure, so the pump builds hydraulic pressure through the fluid. The air absorbs the pressure and 'pillows'. Pillow is a term to emphasize the shape of air bubble will take before it releases from the surface it is on. Thus you need the rotatation both with pressure and without.

Note, turning steering wheel without power is easily done with both tires off the ground. There is no friction on the tires that way.

[black99tj]

I turned the wheel back and forth with the engine running yesterday. I made no difference and still spun itself all the way to the right as soon as I let go of the wheel. After work today I'll turn it without the pump running and hopefully I'll make some progress. thanks for the suggestions.

[rroadkilll]

Glad somebody asked about this... Just changed out mine and am waiting to FIND a return line (Broke it above the box)...

Any suggestions for a return line?   I also need to get a new pitman arm, since I cannot get the old one off the old box!!!

[Bounty Hunter]

I also need to get a new pitman arm, since I cannot get the old one off the old box!!!

I've never had a problem getting the pitman arm off with a pitman arm puller and a BFH.  Tighten the puller and hit the pitman arm around the steering shaft at a 45º angle to the steering shaft.  Tighten the puller and repeat.  It should come off.

[Jesse-James]

Presoak in PB, put some tension on the puller and heat the arm until you hear it let loose. Easy.

[rroadkilll]

I just didn't have HEAT!!!

I am getting one form another club member!!!