PowerSteering Box Shot???

[SpeedAddict02]

Hey guys, I think my pwer steering gear box is shot..

I posted earlier about this problem, but it still isnt resolved.

When ever the car is running at low RPM, like when idleing in gear, or Park, or when pulling into ot out of a parking spot, the steering kinda "shimmy's" back and forth as I turn the wheel and is very hard, like as if I had manual steering.. And there is a slight whine sometimes when doing this..

I checked the fluid, it is full. Belt is new and tension is good. Now, a few months ago, I adjusted the steering on the box to get rid of some of the slop. And it worked.. For awhile.. Now I have this problem.

Another example, if I am in park, turn the wheel with engine idleing on its own, I get the above description. but if it give it gas, it is fine..

When I adjusted the box, I loosened the bottom nut, then tightened the allen-head screw till I felt pressure & backed off a 1/4 turn.. I might have made maybe 1 full turn or so till I felt pressure.. Then tightened the bottom nut again.

I'm thinking either the gear box or the pump is bad. What do you guys think??

I am almost positive it is a 3rd gen box. I got 2 1/4 turns lock-to-lock, and when I checked the casting# on it to the one on my old 89 firebird, it was identical..


Any help, would be greatly appreciated..

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1981 Z28
400c.i.SBC/Edelbrock 750/Performer Intake/1-5/8" headers/MSD 6A w/HEI/700R-4/3.42posi-trac/B&M QuickSilver/3rd Gen Steering Box/KYB's & Poly Bushings/28"rear tires & a real heavy foot!!

 

[SpeedAddict02]

Also forgot to mention that earlier I tried re-adjusting the nut on the steering box, and when I turned it, a little fluid seeped out.. not enough to leak down the side of the box, just right at the base of the nut.. Bad seal??

 

[becnjam]

sounds like a typical bad pump to me...that is if the belts aren't slipping.

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Jamie
'75 LT

 

[SpeedAddict02]

I dont think they are, I'll have someone turn the wheel while I watch tomorrow, but I dont think so..


If it were, wouldnt it do it all the time?

When I drive at speed, the steering is fine.

Thanks

Guess I'll go price a new pump and hoses.

 

[spoonLT1355]

I agree with becnjam, sounds like a bad pump, when you give it gas, you are raising the pressure in the pump enough so that it works

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starting to build pro/street 78Z
car needs everything!
Let the fun begin!!!
http://members.cardomain.com/spoonlt1355

 

[SpeedAddict02]

got ya.. thanks again..

any idea on how to fix that minor leak I got on the box now??

Is it a seal I can easily replace?

 

[SpeedAddict02]

Was just checking out the NAPA website, new pump is $55.. Also gonna get new hoses, they have the pressure hose, but for the return hose, the OEM doesnt have fittings, then there is a universal.

I gotta check on the car tomorrow, but can you re-use the fittings for the return hose? Are they just clamps or something?

TIA

 

[76'maro]

As the others said, it does sound like the pump...but bear in mind that adjusting the lash on your gearbox is a dicey procedure at best as well, and can often lead to gearbox failure if you adjust it too tight. The adjustment on these is really designed to set initial lash and NOT to remove slop from the steering as the gears wear...adjusting them for this purpose can actually lead to premature failure of the gears and leave you without steering at the most inopportune time. Most places won't even perform this adjustment due to the liability involved, and the adjustment should never be more than an eighth of a turn on the nut.

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1973 Type LT Original Engine, Black Vinyl Top

DigiWeb Creations: My website design company...

 

[SpeedAddict02]

Hey 76, thanks for the info.. So then would you suggest I change the box?? B/c yesterday when I was trying to figure out the problem, I had adjusted it again, thinking I did it too much the first time & that was my problem. Then this morning on my way to work, the steering was back to the way it was b4 with the "slop". So when I got to work, I re-adjusted, meaning tightened it again, and it is back to the way it was.. Meaning good steering feel.

But, if all the messing with it means I'm gonna loose steering and get into an accident, then I would just put in a new box.

What do you think? Did I totally screw it up?

I'm already getting a new pump, so If I gotta do the whole thingm then I will. And I guess that would mean I will need another alignment, right? That sucks cause I just spent $55 on when 2 weeks ago. Oh well.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks
Joe

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1981 Z28
400c.i.SBC/Edelbrock 750/Performer Intake/1-5/8" headers/MSD 6A w/HEI/700R-4/3.42posi-trac/B&M QuickSilver/3rd Gen Steering Box/KYB's & Poly Bushings/28"rear tires & a real heavy foot!!

 

[SpeedAddict02]

TTT