Problem with power steering

[Tungsten]

I had this weird problem with power steering for quite some time now. As I would turn the wheel sometimes it would become really stiff to turn for no reason and other times it would turn really smooth. Also, I could barely turn the wheel while standing in idle. I thought it could be the steering box or the power steering pump but they look fine. I remember at one point the high pressure line blew up and sprayed fluid all over the engine bay. After replacing that, the power steering pump blew up and fluid was everywhere again. So I went with a reman one for that. I thought after all this the problem would go away but 2 years later it was still acting weird. So today I decided to do something about it. After speaking with a few experts it turned out that the steering shaft was lacking lube and after lubing up the shaft with some penetrating oil it was way better as I could now turn the wheel while standing still. Its still a little on the stiff side but maybe lubing it up some more will fix the problem. I'm thinking about buying a new shaft for it but don't know if that is worth doing.

 

Any input is appreciated...

[nunya]

The little u-jount in the shaft went bad on a HB on me causing a similar issue before. That and a worn belt once that was getting come and go grip at the pump pully caused some issues before...

[MY1PATH]

your balls in your steering box may be worn or have debris in them from all the other line troubles. since over a dozen balls work in a constant loop only to be used 2-4 at a time the problem may be intermittent. Redhead steering gear is the only company that replaces these with every build. other remans just clean them and if they are not chipped or broke they go back in.

I reccomend fixing your u-joint shaft and inspectiong your rag-joint to use seafoam transtune, follow the steering directions on the can inspect all of your other components b4 calling it the box. if the problem persists, look up redhead they will restore your box to a better state than you can buy these days. then do another flush once the new box is in.

[GrimGreg]

I second the rag joint, after my body lift mine rag joint was causing a bind similar to what you are describing.

[Tungsten]

Yeah lubing it up is slowly helping it move better. Also greasing the pitman arm through a zerk some more helped a little bit as well. Now its much more consistent in rotation stiffness. Its still on the stiff side but I think thats because of the older steering box design. I actually like it like this because it gives me more precise control at speeds over 85 mph.

[tmoore4512]

Hell I 'd be scared to get above 70 in my truck now...with the lift and tires, dang man...its top heavy as crap!

[Tungsten]

Now take the sway bars out.

[Kingman]

I'm having the same problem. I know it's being caused by left over debris in the system when my first power steering pump went, if you don't get every little spec out it will destroy another pump and keep destroying them until the problem is taken care of. A quick fluid flush isn't enough...

[nunya]

speeds over 85 mph.

 

Shenanigans!!!

[Tungsten]

Shenanigans!!!

 

My flux capacitor needs to be rebuilt and/or upgraded.

 

I'm having the same problem. I know it's being caused by left over debris in the system when my first power steering pump went, if you don't get every little spec out it will destroy another pump and keep destroying them until the problem is taken care of. A quick fluid flush isn't enough...

 

The fluid looks clean to me.

Are you sure theres crap inside? How do you get it out?

Edited June 24, 2010 by Tungsten

[Kingman]

You likely won't see anything. The particles of metal shavings are floating around though, they get into the workings of the steering box or power steering pump and eat away at everything as the fluid circulates and pressure is built. Then more particles are created and more stuff gets gummed up.

 

I'm fairly sure the only real way to get every spec out is to replace the lines and the steering box. You'll find a lot of shops will try and get you to pay to replace the ENTIRE power steering system even if only one component fails, that's why. They don't want to be liable for another failure down the road.

 

On mine, it'll randomly be VERY hard to turn at a stop and it gets easier if I rev the engine a bit. While my motor is out I'm going to warranty the steering box and do another flush.

[Tungsten]

Perhaps it is the steering box itself that is failing? The bearings in it probably wear out causing those problems. However it has been 2 years since I had anything blow up on me. Did you lubricate your front end and the rag joint?

[Kingman]

Neither I or anyone I know have heard of a steering box completely failing, ours are extremely strong. I doubt it's that. If it was the steering box you'd be all over the road and there would be insane amounts of slop in the system.

 

Yes everything is lubricated with brand new grease. Can you hear your pump whining at all? It shouldn't make any noise unless it's at full lock (build up of pressure).

[MY1PATH]

Neither I or anyone I know have heard of a steering box completely failing, ours are extremely strong.

I doubt it's that. If it was the steering box you'd be all over the road and there would be insane amounts of slop in the system.

EHEM!

forget about somone?

 

I barely made it to where was going when it gave its last straw.

 

it took over a year to fail but it was a good lesson.

NEVER use a Fork or other Pry tool to remove your pitman. Nomatter how stuck it is. Use a puller or cut it off and get a new one.

I broke 5 the same way in a JY trying to get a spare pitman. hope if anyone took them then checked inside cuase its time bomb once you break that tab inside.

 

But yes other than that I do think they are extremly durable and smooth if you get one rebuilt by redhead steering gear.

[Tungsten]

Neither I or anyone I know have heard of a steering box completely failing, ours are extremely strong. I doubt it's that. If it was the steering box you'd be all over the road and there would be insane amounts of slop in the system.

 

Yes everything is lubricated with brand new grease. Can you hear your pump whining at all? It shouldn't make any noise unless it's at full lock (build up of pressure).

 

Sometimes the pump would whine for a few seconds when the steering gets tough but for the most part like 99% of the time I don't even hear it.

[Kingman]

Yep, that's the balls inside the pump binding and now allowing pressure.

[Tungsten]

I don't know about the pump, its not that old. What is even more weird is sometimes the pump would hiss like a cold air intake.

[Tungsten]

I think the problem just may very well be in the steering box. I'm thinking about converting everything to a 94+ steering system. I think I will be changing the steering shaft, the lines, the pump, the reservoir, and the box. Are there any advantages to upgrading to a 94+ power steering system? Are there any fitting issues? Or should I stick with the 91 steering system?

[Tungsten]

Or maybe I can take the box out and replace the balls?

 

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/steering3.htm

 

http://www.courtesyparts.com/pathfinder-parts-wd21-1987-1995/genuine-nissan-parts/steering/492-power-steering-gear/-c-5572_5573_5683_5690.html

Edited August 23, 2010 by Tungsten