Power steering problem

[DetroitDan]

My 87 half ton 4x4 suddenly started binding when turning at low speeds. Checked and fluid was almost empty, filled it no better, gave it a couple days in case it needed to work out it the air. Noticed steering stabilizer was leaking, replaced that. Old one would bind and stick when compressing by hand, thought that was the problem but it wasn't. Finally changed pump and reservoir, and new belt. No better. Re-tightened belt and flushed the really nasty mud out of the system and refilled it. Worked perfect for a couple minutes then the hard turning is back. It's only at low speed, really tough to make a real low speed turn. Also, I checked the front axle shaft u-joints, don't think the bi ding is coming from there. It feels hydraulic. So what's left, the steering box? I've never had one go bad in 30+ square bodies. Is there any adjustment, fix or flush? The ball joints passed inspection, so they're not loose or sloppy, but they're not likely to bind in this manner. It definitely feels like a hydraulic problem, just like when the belt slips, but the belts not slipping. How would I know if the new reman pump was no good? I don't want to think that's the case.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
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[swissarmychainsaw]

"flushed the really nasty mud out of the system"

Hrm... sounds like maybe your cap seal is not good and you have contaminated fluid in there? And/or air.

Replace fluid and bleed.

I would get a turkey baster and remove the fluid from your system.
If it is contaminated as you mentioned, I would get it all out.
Meaning: Fill with clean fluid. Run engine. Remove fluid.
Repeat that until you turkey baster shows clean fluid.

Or you could pull the Saginaw gearbox and open it up, clean it and put it back together with fresh fluid.
If you have a pitman arm puller it might be just as easy to pull the gearbox.

I would try the turkey baster method first.

The way to bleed air out of your hydraulic steering is to:
1. Jack up the front end (be safe etc.)
(some say to disconnect the steering linkage, but I did mine as is)
2. With engine OFF
turn wheel all the way right, then all the way left.
Check fluid level, fill if needed.
Repeat that about 20 times.
Should not have bubbles present in the reservoir.
Start engine let idle a bit, then add fluid again.


Good luck, let us know!
Nick