northplainsdrifter
On my last trip to the woods I started having intermittent steering problems. At times I couldn't physically turn the wheel, it was like the tires were up against a rock, then it would be fine for awhile. This would happen as I'm driving really slow maneuvering the trails. It wouldn't happen all the time, just sometimes. It didn't make a difference if I revved it up or not. It is on a 74 CJ 360 w/power steering, the steering components are all original as far as I know. I haven't had time to investigate it but didn't know if I should be looking at the pump or the steering box.
Any ideas?
tufcj
I had a similar problem with my CJ. The hoses between the pump and box started breaking down internally. The rubber particles jammed the rotary valve in the steering box, causing it to jam, and also overheating and ruining the pump. I could turn left and back to center, but couldn't turn right.
We tried new hoses and pump and flushing the box, but ultimately ended up replacing replacing everything. I went with a new pump and box from AGR. I also added an in-line filter in the low pressure line to protect the investment. I really do like the AGR setup, I can palm the wheel around, even in the toughest binds.
Bob
tufcj
northplainsdrifter
I do have an extra pump, I'll pull the lines and check for particles. Really don't want to replace the steering box, but if you have to you have too!
Patf10
not bad front U-joints. i have had similar symptoms when a ujoint freezes up.
northplainsdrifter
[quote=Patf10]not bad front U-joints. i have had similar symptoms when a ujoint freezes up.[/quote]
Are thinking axle u-joints? My front end was recently all gone through, I don't think that is my case but will look at it.
Mudrat
I think he meant the joints in a stock steering system. One up top by the slip joint and the one lower. Often referred to as a rag joint.
[url=http://www.oconeeoffroad.com/servlet/the-20850/Borgeson-Adjustable-Steering-Shaft%2C/Detail][color=blue][u][b]Borgeson[/b][/u][/color][/url]m makes a replaceable/rebuildable shaft.
Once my rag joint wears out, this is the route I'm taking . . . .
Patf10
i did mean the axle joints as i have had one on side of a cross tighten up and not allow you to steer until it turns to the otherside wich is still loose. If that makes any sense
northplainsdrifter
Without looking at the axle joints and rag joints, I am assuming that is not my problem as all those are less than a year old, but you never know. I will check them to be sure. It will have to wait a week to look at the power steering as I just put my new little boat in the garage to throw a quick camo paint job on it, duck season starts really quick!
ironman_gq
do you have a lot of offset in your rims or a front locker. I have problems because of both of these
northplainsdrifter
[quote=ironman_gq]do you have a lot of offset in your rims or a front locker. I have problems because of both of these[/quote]
I do have a locker, that is something I didn't think about. It's not like my turning radius is limited, the steering wheel just feels like it has hit the end of its limit. If I back up a little it will release and work. Hmmmm, I might look into the locker as the problem!
northplainsdrifter
I finally got around to looking at this. I drained all the fluid and it smelled burnt. I didn't see any blockage anywhere so I'm guessing the lines are ok. I started the engine for a minute with the pressure line off the pump and it spit out pretty good, I don't know about pressure though. I refilled everything and ran it with no luck, although I am getting noise from the pump and it felt warm after only a couple of minutes running. I'm guessing the pump might be bad. I have another used one I'll throw on tonight to see it that cures it.
What is the best way to put a power steering cooler on? Does it go on the return hose? Would this help?
tufcj
I got a nice little cooler off a 2000 Dodge Durango. I haven't mounted it yet, but it looks like it will be easy to mount to the P/S bracket with a small home made bracket. I also have a filter mounted in the low pressure side (also where you want the cooler). It's about the size of a fuel filter.
Be very careful running a PS pump dry. The tolerances are very tight to produce the 1500 PSI pressure. They rely on the fluid to cool and lubricate. I've heard the internal pump gears can be damaged in as little as 1 minute running dry. Jack the front wheels off the ground, fill the reservoir, and turn the steering wheel back and forth several times to prime the system BEFORE you start the engine.
Heat could be created by the lack of moving fluid to the steering gear, which could be caused by a stuck/sluggish rotary valve in the box itself. If a new pump doesn't fix it immediately, DON'T run it, or you'll damage a possibly good pump.
Bob
tufcj
northplainsdrifter
Over a year ago while in the middle of the woods I broke the steering box clean off the frame only to be hanging by the power steering lines. :smile: I used a cable come-along and some nylon winch straps to tie the box back in place. With little or no steering I managed to limp it back a couple of miles to where I could get to it with my tow vehicle. During that process I lost all the fluid in the system, I know about running the pumps dry and was really surprised it didn't quit before now!
Where are you going to mount the cooler? Right off the pump itself? I was thinking it would have to go in front of the radiator. :-|
tufcj
The Durango cooler was hanging right beside the pump, so that's where I planned to mount mine. I imagine there's enough airflow behind the radiator for it to radiate some heat. The cooler itself is only about 3"x4", so it's not very big.
Bob
tufcj
northplainsdrifter
I seem to have fixed the problem, I put my other steering pump on and all seems good! No more noise and it turns without any effort. I think I will look into getting a inline cooler, couldn't hurt!
rollbar
Bob, the low pressure side is the hose you install w/the clamp correct, not the pre-made hose.
I have seen people use a cooler w/a small fan behind it, they say it works great.
tufcj
Right. The high pressure side is the swedged hose. You don't want to cut/splice it, it runs about 1500 PSI during turns.
Any coolers/filters need to be in the low pressure side. I run a Filtran filter (can't find a number on it), Magnefine also makes a similar filter.
It's like this, about 2" in diameter and 3" long. [url]http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SPX-Filtran-Magnetic-Inline-Transmission-Filter-3-8_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33662QQitemZ250645075660[/url]
Bob
tufcj
