![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 1,280
|
Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
Hi everyone,
So I completed my PS upgrade, jacked my truck up, went lock to lock 30 times engine off then on, checked fluid and topped off. No leaks at all. Here is the deal, it is a 1976 steering gear which is when they switched to quick ratio or 2.5 turns lock to lock. I don't know if that is the cause but it is working too good. What I mean is that you barely have to turn the wheel and it goes that direction fast. I think they are suppossed to provide assistance less the faster you go but mine does not. You can be doing 30 to 40 turn the wheel 4 inches to the left or right and it goes that way and then some fast. It would be fine if you didn't have to react quickly to an emergency in the road but the way it is now if you moved the wheel 4 inches to miss a pedestrian you are going to end up in the ditch. It just doesn't feel right. It could just be that I now only have to go 2.5 lock to lock and now have power steering but I don't think that is it. Could it be my pulley size? How many inches should it be? Physics wise wouldn't a smaller ps pulley help? Somebody had said my ps pulley was too big and I could see this causing the problem? Please help =( I have worked so long on this and there are no leaks or anything, this I did not expect. I put a pic during assembly below to show the pulley, I think somebody had said it's too big. Last edited by ubtripn; 05-10-2011 at 09:55 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 5
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
When I first got my truck the steering seemed really loose, overly sensitive, and once I turned a little bit, it would keep following that way on it's own. What fixed mine was a new rag joint and an alignment- I think I had too much toe out. Have you had the alignment checked?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 1,280
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
I haven't good point, I will do that. I am also thinking of a stabilizer kit too but I am still wondering about proper pulley size.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Jamie Hyneman is my twin
![]() Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: La Junta, Colorado
Posts: 705
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
if it is working too well, then a larger pulley would make it work less well. It would take more belt to make a full revolution of the pump. I don't think it is your pulley. More likely it is your alignment.
Were the pump and gearbox out of a working truck? Were they a match pair? Same vehicle? Start by establishing a few more knowns, and then you can work on your variables.
__________________
Justin SOLD 1967 K10 Fleetside, 283, Front and Rear Posi SOLD Color Wiring Diagrams Now in High Resolution V8 and Cab and Cab and Chassis |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Modesto, Ca
Posts: 411
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
Some boxes were variable ratio, depending on where you were centered. Less reaction when the pitman was in the middle of its travel, and more responsive at the end of its travel. I am not sure they used them on trucks. Are you sure it was a factory unit?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Winona Lake, IN
Posts: 6,268
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
I experienced the same kind of thing when I converted mine, but it just took a little time to get used to, now it seems normal.
__________________
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 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 1,280
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
The gear came out of a 76 GMC that had supposedly recently been re-manufactured and the pump is a remanned unit from O'reilies. I agree on the pulley size not really being a factor. I was looking at it wrong, a stearing gear runs on pressure from the pulley and when the pressure gets too high it releases it back to the reservoir.
I am going to start with alignment since I just replaced the ball joints and tie rod ends then did my own. I can only adjust one angle, they can do them all I heard. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: East Sooke B.C. Canada
Posts: 543
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
If it takes off kinda by itself, its a spool valve problem in the box. If it does this both ways its probably a broken torsion spring, if it does it one way then the spring is bent.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 1,280
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
It really doesn't take off on its own but it is ultra-sensitive. Also, I filled the pump with new fluid but could not get the old fluid out of the steering gear before install so should I syphon the pump out now that it has all mixed together add put new in again?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: tennessee
Posts: 159
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
Is there any difference in the alignment spec between manual and power steering?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!!
![]() Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512
Posts: 10,770
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
Looking at your avatar, it looks like you have a 67 Chevy. If that is true, then did you dimple the frame? If not that is your problem. Spacing the steering gear away from thr frame in order to be able to bolt it in place causes the gear to run off center. As a result of that your steering will feel ultra sencitive. WES
__________________
On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys Last edited by Classic Heartbeat; 05-11-2011 at 10:40 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!!
![]() Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512
Posts: 10,770
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
Also variable ratio gears are start out slow and the more you turn the quicker they get. WES
__________________
On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 632
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
Alignment is the area I would look. If you redid the front suspension then the caster is probably negative (could be toe out too). Negative caster (or toe out) will make the truck wander down the highway with little to no on center feel along with being very easy to turn the steering. Maunal steering vehicle also are set with negative caster to make it easier to turn the wheel at low speed, it is the reason these trucks came with such large steering wheels. The pulley size isn't the issue, there is really only one PS pulley diameter for cars and light truck chevy engines.
__________________
Lifes journey is not to arrive at the gate well preserved, it is to slide in sideways all used up and wore out yelling.....God what'a ride! Where patience fails, force prevails Stapp's Ironical Paradox "The universal aptitude for ineptitude makes any human accomplishment an incredible miracle." Last edited by 406 Q-ship; 05-11-2011 at 11:04 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 1,280
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
Its a 68 so I didn't have to dimple.
Thanks for the info on the variable ratio. I just drove it again, I think it is alignment. Still not sure if I should flush it or not since the gear is from a junkyard. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 1,280
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
I see, and thanks for the pulley info. Sounds like an alignment is the place to start. At least there is little play left, 3/4 inch.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 1,280
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
Little to no on-center feel and easier to turn definitely fits. It does track fairly straight though. Can you have negative caster and still track straight? I just did the manual tape measure alignment adjusting the sleeves on the outer tie rod ends.
Last edited by ubtripn; 05-11-2011 at 11:17 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: phx,az
Posts: 18
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
I was just wondering if you had fixed the problem? I have a complete conversion sitting in front of me and I am wondering if your problem will happen to me.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 | ||
"I ain't nobody, dork."
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Posts: 8,936
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
Are there differences in steering wheel size from factory P/S equipped trucks and factory non-P/S equipped trucks? I know when I drive my Dad's '70 C10... it doesn't have power steering from the factory, and his factory steering wheel is huge. Makes a tight fit on the lap with a non tilt column.
My '72 GMC 1500 SC has factory power steering and the factory steering wheel is smaller in size. So I wonder if a larger steering wheel from the factory would add to the feeling of "quickness" that you are experiencing since you added power steering. Gary
__________________
'cuz chicks dig scars... My 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom (Creeping Death) "long term" build thread. The Rebuild of Creeping Death after the wreck Quote:
Quote:
Last edited by GASoline71; 05-11-2011 at 11:33 AM. |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!!
![]() Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512
Posts: 10,770
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
If your frame has no dimple in it for clearance for the powerstearing gear, how did you bolt it to the frame? Spacers? If so your gear is running off center. Been there done that and have fixed several other truck with the exact same issue. WES
__________________
On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
the boat guy
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: springfield mo
Posts: 2,339
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
he said it was already dimpled wes. It's a 68.
if their is a prolem it's probably caster or toe related. My 76 box doesn't feel too quick, but then again I like quick steering. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 | |
Its a Truck Thing......
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Posts: 3,159
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
Quote:
Smitty
__________________
71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 71 C20 Longhorn/Ole Yellor 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 | |
Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!!
![]() Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512
Posts: 10,770
|
Re: Power Steering Upgrade-Part 3-It's working too good. Need help.
Quote:
![]()
__________________
On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|