Thoughts on slight binding in steering and subsequent pump whine

[Fairlaniac]

In my '93 4x4 I replaced the ball joints, tie rod ends, drag link, steering gear, power steering pump, hoses, pitman arm. Pretty much everything in the steering. The gear and pump was leaking so I just got all new stuff. Afterwards I get a slight bind to the left or right just past center. Then it frees up some. During this time the pump will whine as it's being overworked. I dropped the tie rods and the spindles flop like bubby ears. No binding. I had an alignment done and the shop wanted to turn out the steering gear adjustment a 1/4 turn but I said no at the time as everything was brand new or rebuilt and didn't think that adjustment was necessary just yet. Could that be the issue? It seems to be the only remaining logical choice but I thought I'd get some thoughts before I did adjust the gear.

Thanks,

 

[franklin2]

It is the steering gear, they are made to be tighter in the center for a better road feel going straight, and looser to either side for easier effort in the turns. Sounds like it is a little too tight on the adjustment, probably the tech noticed it too and wanted to adjust it. Sounds like he wanted a happy customer, I like those kind of alignment guys.

 

[Fairlaniac]

The guy at the shop agreed that with all that I put in as new parts that I'd derive it a while and see if it settles in. Can't say it has so I might as well make an adjustment. After about 600 miles, nothing had changed.

Thanks!