PS pump or steering box problem?

[loom34432]

Hey, everyone!! ok my 72 has power steering, but it turns to the left with one finger, but to turn right I have to use two hands and its hard to turn. Is this the pump or the box? It aso makes noise when you turn so I'm thinking the pump may be bad?

[swamp rat]

As i recall the pump has one outlet and one return so i don't think the pump has anything to do with it.

I think you should should first jack up the truck onto a couple jack stands and then fire the truck up and try the steering and see if its the same or less bind now that the suspension is unloaded.

Then I'd get a pitman arm puller and pull that arm off your steering box and then see what happens when you fire it up again, if the problem still exists i would say its probably the steering box.

Then try turning the wheels by hand and see if you find drag in the remainder of the steering system, in the first test was there less binding? i know ball joints can go bad and start to bind up as well, by taking the weight off them and they turn easier you may have isolated that area as well..

This is a process of isolation and testing

[geezer#99]

First process of isolation is take the belt off the pump. See how it works as manual steering.

[loom34432]

Ok thanks guys, I'll try these out this weekend. If it happens to be the box is bad, has anyone rebuilt them? are they hard and complex or is it relativly easy?

[Howitzer]

The box is relatively easy to rebuild. I did mine a few weeks ago, took a couple of hours. Good opportunity to clean it up and paint it as well. There are not really any hard parts in the rebuild kits, seals and gaskets and some bearings. So if the worm gear itself is damaged or bore is scored you may be out of luck. I'll try and find the youtube video of the rebuild, thats what i went off. The good thing is the Saginaw 800 is super popular, and easy to find.

http://youtu.be/UJ-89YhvAXU

[loom34432]

Hey Howitzer, thanks for the info; I've watched several of the videos, and I know I can do it, just got to find some spare time!!