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Power Steering Problem

gunzpilot

New member
Joined
Dec 5, 2004
Messages
2
I replaced the power steering pump, on my GT/CS a few years ago. The power steering does not work well now, until I am moving ( or RPM's are up ). The fluid in the resivior does not hardly move at idle, but, flows when I increase RPM's. I am guessing the Power Steering Pump is shot. Any thoughts? Thanks!
 

Jayscal

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 28, 2002
Messages
247
Location
Florida
There is always the possibility of a hose being kinked. When you start moving and the RPM's come up, the pressure rises and the fluid is forced thru a kinked hose. This will make the power assist work, but at idle the fluid won't flow well to the control valve.

From what you describe, I would bet the pressure line from the pump has a small kink in it. Do you have the correct bracket with the 2 hole bushing that mounts low on the shock tower? This keeps the hoses from kinking. I had many problems with the factory 289 P/S hose set-up because I ran the HI-PO exhaust manifolds. I solved the problem by using the big block P/S bracket that mounts on the lower control arm. Now all the hoses go straight down from the pump and don't get burned by the exaust when I make tight turns.
 

Jayscal

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 28, 2002
Messages
247
Location
Florida
Picture of Big block P/S steering set up.
 

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Jayscal

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 28, 2002
Messages
247
Location
Florida
Control valve view.
 

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66joej

Active member
Joined
Nov 4, 2003
Messages
29
[quote author=gunzpilot link=board=1;threadid=1234;start=0#msg6918 date=1102264925]
I replaced the power steering pump, on my GT/CS a few years ago. The power steering does not work well now, until I am moving ( or RPM's are up ). The fluid in the resivior does not hardly move at idle, but, flows when I increase RPM's. I am guessing the Power Steering Pump is shot. Any thoughts? Thanks!
[/quote]
Just my 2 cents but did you put power steering fluid in the reservoir. The Ford pumps call for ATF (auto trans fluid). I found this out many years ago. The relief valve in the pump tends to stick with the PS fluid. It will work if you rev up the engine.
Joe
 
OP
OP
G

gunzpilot

New member
Joined
Dec 5, 2004
Messages
2
Thanks Guys-

I checked all lines and did not find any kinks. I do have the bracket mounted on the tower. However,......I did use power steering fluid. Has anyone else heard that I should be using Auto transmission fluid?

Scott
 

68gt390

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 22, 2004
Messages
2,021
Location
Columbus, Ohio
[quote author=66joej link=board=1;threadid=1234;start=0#msg6947 date=1102299739]
[quote author=gunzpilot link=board=1;threadid=1234;start=0#msg6918 date=1102264925]
I replaced the power steering pump, on my GT/CS a few years ago. The power steering does not work well now, until I am moving ( or RPM's are up ). The fluid in the resivior does not hardly move at idle, but, flows when I increase RPM's. I am guessing the Power Steering Pump is shot. Any thoughts? Thanks!
[/quote]
Just my 2 cents but did you put power steering fluid in the reservoir. The Ford pumps call for ATF (auto trans fluid). I found this out many years ago. The relief valve in the pump tends to stick with the PS fluid. It will work if you rev up the engine.
Joe
[/quote]

What type of ATF did you use? When I replaced my pump, hoses etc., I originally used Dexron-III Mercon ATF fluid. Had problems with power steering working properly. Transmission shop I went to recommended I drain the Dexron-III and use Type "F" ATF for pre 1981 Ford Vehicles. Don't really know what the difference is but, it works now with no problems. Type "F" ATF can be picked-up at any local automotive parts place. Just a thought.

Don
 

Jayscal

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 28, 2002
Messages
247
Location
Florida
I always used type F tranny fluid in the power steering, because it is what I had in my garage. Looks like you get off easy this time. Glad to hear that no lines were pinched.
 
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