power steering isnt working

[Cmprice]

okay i just replaced the power steering pump and the power steering box and it wont work its hard as a rock to turn......it has fluid...

any help appreciated

 

[Mike @ Tracy]

Did you make sure you're lines arent blocked. A hydraulic line can "look" fine yet be all messed up internally due to thier construction, Hydraulics have one rule, if its flowing its working. Even if its leaking it will still work. If thats not it try jacking up the front end, get both tires off the ground and see if it gets easier, Make sure nothing is binding up.

 

[Cmprice]

Did you make sure you're lines arent blocked. A hydraulic line can "look" fine yet be all messed up internally due to thier construction, Hydraulics have one rule, if its flowing its working. Even if its leaking it will still work. If thats not it try jacking up the front end, get both tires off the ground and see if it gets easier, Make sure nothing is binding up.

all lines are new except the hi pressure hydraulic line and is it okay to wash out with water? i drove it around some and it seems to be doing a little better...

 

[Mike @ Tracy]

Sorry I know its been a couple of days, I wouldnt use water but I guess it wouldnt hurt, I would use a silicone based spray ****. I dont like useing anything solvent based when it comes to hydraulics, The O-rings and seals can be sensitive as hyd. systems generally use a lightweight " fragile " oil.

 

[Cmprice]

Sorry I know its been a couple of days, I wouldnt use water but I guess it wouldnt hurt, I would use a silicone based spray ****. I dont like useing anything solvent based when it comes to hydraulics, The O-rings and seals can be sensitive as hyd. systems generally use a lightweight " fragile " oil.

okay i heard somehwere that ur supposed to use automatic tranny fluid in the pumps.....true?

 

[Mike @ Tracy]

Supposed to ? or can? You absolutly can use ATF in the power steering, My wifes 99 Malibu has Type-F in it at this very moment. Some people will disagree and they have every right to thats why we live in America. Here are my " findings " Power Steering fluid Depending on MFG. is "slicker " and is often denser than T-fluid, With that said it is my own experiances that T-fluid will hold up to higher pressures at higher temps for longer. Like I said some guy in a secret lab can probably dispute this. I work on hydraulic systems on a daily basis at work, some of them creating pressures in excess of 2500 psi. Everything from cylinders to hyd. motors. They are pretty much the same fluid as far as ISO rating with very subtle differences in character. :wacko:

 

[Cmprice]

Supposed to ? or can? You absolutly can use ATF in the power steering, My wifes 99 Malibu has Type-F in it at this very moment. Some people will disagree and they have every right to thats why we live in America. Here are my " findings " Power Steering fluid Depending on MFG. is "slicker " and is often denser than T-fluid, With that said it is my own experiances that T-fluid will hold up to higher pressures at higher temps for longer. Like I said some guy in a secret lab can probably dispute this. I work on hydraulic systems on a daily basis at work, some of them creating pressures in excess of 2500 psi. Everything from cylinders to hyd. motors. They are pretty much the same fluid as far as ISO rating with very subtle differences in character. :wacko:

i heard atf keeps it quieter...and also is there a certain kind of atf to use?

 

[Mike @ Tracy]

Personaly I try not to mix types of T-fluid but other than that you should be good.I prefer type-f.

 

[Yardape]

Did you flush out the lines? I hope you didnt use water. That would be hard to clean out. I usually just blow the lines out with an air compresser

 

[Cmprice]

Did you flush out the lines? I hope you didnt use water. That would be hard to clean out. I usually just blow the lines out with an air compresser

no i didnt use water....its full of power steering fluid now...how would i go about changing it out to type f

 

[Yardape]

The following is a typical power steering pressure test.

With the engine stopped, disconnect the pressure line from the power steering pump, and connect the gauge side of the pressure gauge to pump the outlet fitting. Connect the valve side of the gauge to the pressure line.

Start the engine and turn the steering wheel fully in each direction two or three times to bleed air from the system. Be sure the fluid level is correct and the fluid temperature is at least 176

 

[Yardape]

To flush it all I would do is disconnect your return line. Low pressure rubber hose with the clamp, stick that end into a large pop bottle. Start the engine and allow the pump to pump the fluid into the bottle, when it stops pumping then add the new stuff. Waste about a liter or so. Have a look at the fluid and if it doesnt look contaminated reconnect the line and fill the resevoir. Allow the truck to idle with the cap off for about 5 minutes for so, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock. Check fluid level, fill as needed. Test drive, does it work. Maybe pump is not working anymore, check previous message for testing instructions

 

[Cmprice]

To flush it all I would do is disconnect your return line. Low pressure rubber hose with the clamp, stick that end into a large pop bottle. Start the engine and allow the pump to pump the fluid into the bottle, when it stops pumping then add the new stuff. Waste about a liter or so. Have a look at the fluid and if it doesnt look contaminated reconnect the line and fill the resevoir. Allow the truck to idle with the cap off for about 5 minutes for so, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock. Check fluid level, fill as needed. Test drive, does it work. Maybe pump is not working anymore, check previous message for testing instructions

pump and gear box are newly rebuilt less than 1 mile on them