power steering help please - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

acl · 09-29-2010, 07:15 PM

This will be long, I'm sorry. I am atempting to put power steering on a 68. I have put on a used steering box as well as 5 p/s pumps. They all will not stop whining and is not smooth steering when driving. I have put on a second used p/s box with the same results. I have had fluid "foam" out of the top of the pump cap 2 different times (never seen that before). I am lost. If a new box will fix this I will spend the $250.00 but I would like some opinions before I drop that much. I have primed the pump (turn w/fluid before belt is installed) New hoses no crimps. Any help. If I had this much prob with my first truck i might not be working on the second one. Thanks Gary

raycow · 09-29-2010, 08:18 PM

It sounds like you may have air in the system. Jack both front wheels off the ground. Then start the engine and turn the steering wheel back and forth through its full travel several times. If the fluid level goes down, refill it and repeat the wheel turning until the fluid level remains constant.

Ray

brans72 · 09-29-2010, 08:24 PM

agree with Ray sounds like air is in the system.

acl · 09-29-2010, 08:53 PM

hey thanks for the response. I have tried that a couple times for 5 to 10 min. did not help. any one ever break loose the pressure hose while running?? thanks for the help. Gary Sorry , I mean breaking it loose to "bleed" the air?

jay6891 · 09-29-2010, 09:00 PM

Dont think I would break the hose loose. Good way to at the very least take a bath. Worst case, hand in a pulley or a fan. What the guys are telling you is sound advice. I would turn semi-slow to keep the fluid from foaming. Never had problems like you are saying. Good Luck Man

acl · 09-30-2010, 08:17 AM

thanks jay, will try turning lock to lock again. Would air in system make it choppy when turning also. It will turn and "hang up" and turn some more. any other ideas. Thanks Gary

eightbanger · 09-30-2010, 09:04 AM

Everything you are describing...hanging, whining, foaming are all the symptoms of air in the system. I did mine with the engine off turning the wheels lock to lock for a good number of times, then a few with the engine running until the fluid level stopped dropping, also remember to do all this with the reservoir cap removed as this helps let the air escape.

acl · 09-30-2010, 09:40 AM

i will try some more. with it already foamy do i need to do anything else or will the foamy air in system go away? Thanks Gary

eightbanger · 09-30-2010, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acl

i will try some more. with it already foamy do i need to do anything else or will the foamy air in system go away? Thanks Gary

The foam should settle, the main reason I think for the fluid turning foamy is that it is getting hot, thats why its better turning the wheels back and forth to purge the air when the Truck isn't running.

chevy_mike · 09-30-2010, 12:58 PM

To state the obvious, you do have the high pressure line hooked into the correct port on the PS box, correct? Just throwing that out there.

As for bleading, everything I have ever read is to have the vehicle in the air, engine off and turn the steering lock to lock about 15-20 times, and make sure the fluid level stays correct. Then do the same with the engine running. Make sure you don't over fill the fluid level as that can cause foaming issues.

**70STOVEBOLT** · 09-30-2010, 01:32 PM

I just converted mine last weekend, and I didn't jack the truck up, I just filled the reservior and then started the engine and turned the wheel very slowly from lock to lock about a dozen or so times, checking the fluid level after each few times, and the foam eventually went away. I could see bubbles coming up through the foam each time I added fluid. Power steering is great!!

68 short step · 09-30-2010, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevy_mike

To state the obvious, you do have the high pressure line hooked into the correct port on the PS box, correct? Just throwing that out there.

.

my thoughts too

Little Red · 09-30-2010, 07:31 PM

Have to agree with Chevy_Mike as well

After 5 pumps, 2 boxes and constant bleeding with the same results, the probability of having those lines mixed up at the box is great.
In the end, after you get it all figured out, Lucas p/s stop leak works fantastic for making your steering smooth and quiet, not just for leaks.

*72lb4x4* · 09-30-2010, 08:08 PM

This is strange. I've replaced the pump, hoses, and gearbox on my Camaro and K10. Both times I just filled w/ fluid, cranked the wheel lock to lock a few times, topped the fluid off and was done.

No lifting the front end, no endless bleeding.

acl · 10-01-2010, 10:08 AM

now you have me thinking about lines. But can they be put on wrong? Just di not think the hose ends would let that happen? thanks and keep other ideas coming. Looking at getting another box this weekend and trying a different pump as well. If i replace both these again i should jack it up and turn lock to lock numerous time and fill fluid as needed is this correct???? any other advice to bleed system? Thanks a bunch. Gary

acl · 10-01-2010, 12:32 PM

Thinking if my first box was "bad" could that mess up a new pump? I have not changed pump since installing 2nd gear box. Huh Any thoughts?? Gary

red71cheyenne · 10-01-2010, 12:36 PM

I thought the pump was bad on mine, but once I put in a reman steering gear, all was well. Think I got it at Autozone for less than $200. Mine never did the foaming thing like yours, it was just hard to turn like a manual.

alfeefish · 10-01-2010, 05:11 PM

Did your frame have a dimple for steering box?

acl · 10-01-2010, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfeefish

Did your frame have a dimple for steering box?

yes but did have to trim bumper mount to fit. Thanks Gary

09-29-2010, 07:15 PM	#1
acl Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Emporia, kansas Posts: 300	power steering help please This will be long, I'm sorry. I am atempting to put power steering on a 68. I have put on a used steering box as well as 5 p/s pumps. They all will not stop whining and is not smooth steering when driving. I have put on a second used p/s box with the same results. I have had fluid "foam" out of the top of the pump cap 2 different times (never seen that before). I am lost. If a new box will fix this I will spend the $250.00 but I would like some opinions before I drop that much. I have primed the pump (turn w/fluid before belt is installed) New hoses no crimps. Any help. If I had this much prob with my first truck i might not be working on the second one. Thanks Gary

09-29-2010, 08:18 PM	#2
raycow Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA USA Posts: 2,454	Re: power steering help please It sounds like you may have air in the system. Jack both front wheels off the ground. Then start the engine and turn the steering wheel back and forth through its full travel several times. If the fluid level goes down, refill it and repeat the wheel turning until the fluid level remains constant. Ray

09-29-2010, 08:24 PM	#3
brans72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Durham,NC Posts: 636	Re: power steering help please agree with Ray sounds like air is in the system.

09-29-2010, 08:53 PM	#4
acl Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Emporia, kansas Posts: 300	Re: power steering help please hey thanks for the response. I have tried that a couple times for 5 to 10 min. did not help. any one ever break loose the pressure hose while running?? thanks for the help. Gary Sorry , I mean breaking it loose to "bleed" the air? Last edited by acl; 09-29-2010 at 08:56 PM. Reason: explanation

09-29-2010, 09:00 PM	#5
jay6891 Car Knocker Join Date: May 2001 Location: jefferson,arkansas Posts: 664	Re: power steering help please Dont think I would break the hose loose. Good way to at the very least take a bath. Worst case, hand in a pulley or a fan. What the guys are telling you is sound advice. I would turn semi-slow to keep the fluid from foaming. Never had problems like you are saying. Good Luck Man __________________ 68 c-10,91 sportside bed,350 .030 over,4 bolt,10-1 comp,2.05 intake/1.94 exhaust,1.6 Harland Sharp roller rockers,edelbrock rpm cam and intake w/750 carb, 700r4, 3.73 gears,Jacabbs Electronic Igntion w/Accel HEI distributer and super coil. ZR-1 roll pan, filled tailights. Blazer tank. Hidden hitch. 2 1/2" Flowmaster 40's. Parts bought but not installed>> ford 9" posi with disc. CCP front and rear lowering kit 4/5. Cab corners,foor boards,rockers, cab braces, Phatom grill, Painless wiring kit.

09-30-2010, 08:17 AM	#6
acl Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Emporia, kansas Posts: 300	Re: power steering help please thanks jay, will try turning lock to lock again. Would air in system make it choppy when turning also. It will turn and "hang up" and turn some more. any other ideas. Thanks Gary

09-30-2010, 09:04 AM	#7
eightbanger 454 MAKES IT ROAR Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Essex, U.K Posts: 2,701	Re: power steering help please Everything you are describing...hanging, whining, foaming are all the symptoms of air in the system. I did mine with the engine off turning the wheels lock to lock for a good number of times, then a few with the engine running until the fluid level stopped dropping, also remember to do all this with the reservoir cap removed as this helps let the air escape. __________________ Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger

09-30-2010, 09:40 AM	#8
acl Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Emporia, kansas Posts: 300	Re: power steering help please i will try some more. with it already foamy do i need to do anything else or will the foamy air in system go away? Thanks Gary

09-30-2010, 12:58 PM	#10
chevy_mike Never Ending Projects Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,836	Re: power steering help please To state the obvious, you do have the high pressure line hooked into the correct port on the PS box, correct? Just throwing that out there. As for bleading, everything I have ever read is to have the vehicle in the air, engine off and turn the steering lock to lock about 15-20 times, and make sure the fluid level stays correct. Then do the same with the engine running. Make sure you don't over fill the fluid level as that can cause foaming issues. __________________ . 1965 C10 Panel, Tiki Express http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=506580 SOLD 1968 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod Hauler http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313233 SOLD 1965 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415702 SOLD We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason... listen twice as much and speak half as often...

09-30-2010, 01:32 PM	#11
70STOVEBOLT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winona Lake, IN Posts: 6,265	Re: power steering help please I just converted mine last weekend, and I didn't jack the truck up, I just filled the reservior and then started the engine and turned the wheel very slowly from lock to lock about a dozen or so times, checking the fluid level after each few times, and the foam eventually went away. I could see bubbles coming up through the foam each time I added fluid. Power steering is great!! __________________ 70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast" 200,000 Mile Club Disc Brake Club Owner installed options: Front Sway Bar Power Steering Power Brakes Cigar Lighter Courtesy Lights Deluxe Side Markers Wiper Delay Power windows Power Locks Sniper EFI 2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23 lowered 2" front & rear

09-30-2010, 07:31 PM	#13
Little Red Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Munhall, PA (Rust Belt USA) Posts: 20	Re: power steering help please Have to agree with Chevy_Mike as well After 5 pumps, 2 boxes and constant bleeding with the same results, the probability of having those lines mixed up at the box is great. In the end, after you get it all figured out, Lucas p/s stop leak works fantastic for making your steering smooth and quiet, not just for leaks. __________________ Some days your the bug some days your the windshield! 69 C10 Stepside ~ Project 79 K10 Shortbed 4X4 ~ Sold 72 Chevelle SS Clone ~ Sold

09-30-2010, 08:08 PM	#14
72lb4x4 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: DFW Posts: 1,427	Re: power steering help please This is strange. I've replaced the pump, hoses, and gearbox on my Camaro and K10. Both times I just filled w/ fluid, cranked the wheel lock to lock a few times, topped the fluid off and was done. No lifting the front end, no endless bleeding.

10-01-2010, 10:08 AM	#15
acl Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Emporia, kansas Posts: 300	Re: power steering help please now you have me thinking about lines. But can they be put on wrong? Just di not think the hose ends would let that happen? thanks and keep other ideas coming. Looking at getting another box this weekend and trying a different pump as well. If i replace both these again i should jack it up and turn lock to lock numerous time and fill fluid as needed is this correct???? any other advice to bleed system? Thanks a bunch. Gary

10-01-2010, 12:32 PM	#16
acl Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Emporia, kansas Posts: 300	Re: power steering help please Thinking if my first box was "bad" could that mess up a new pump? I have not changed pump since installing 2nd gear box. Huh Any thoughts?? Gary

10-01-2010, 12:36 PM	#17
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: power steering help please I thought the pump was bad on mine, but once I put in a reman steering gear, all was well. Think I got it at Autozone for less than $200. Mine never did the foaming thing like yours, it was just hard to turn like a manual. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty



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10-01-2010, 05:11 PM	#18
alfeefish Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Harrison TN Posts: 183	Re: power steering help please Did your frame have a dimple for steering box?

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