Hard turning even after replacing power steering pump

[tjs4x4]

I replaced my power steering pump and return line after what I thought was a ps pump failure. My explorer started having a hard time turning left and right, it was sticking...like power steering was failing. I thought it was the pump.....well, I replaced that, the belt tensioner, belt, and it is still doing the same thing. I'm scared to drive it as I have no clue what's going on, or if something might be broken. Has anyone had this issue? If so, what was wrong?

 

[RangerSVT]

I bought my F350 with a similar problem, turned out it was the gearbox...
SVT

 

[tjs4x4]

Ok, so how can I check to see if that's the problem?

 

[RangerSVT]

Get you a power steering pressure gauge and measure the pressure the pump is putting out (although you stated you had replaced it, it is still possible you have a faulty pump), since you only have two parts in the system, the pump, and the gearbox, process of elimination will tell you its the gearbox...I can tell you that all RBV's and F series trucks (F150, 250, 350) of the 80's and mid 90's use the same gearbox, so finding one in a JY is very good, and a lot cheaper than brand new
SVT

 

[tjs4x4]

Do I have to take it in to have the pressure tested or are there pressure testers that i can buy/rent?

 

[RangerSVT]

Your local autoparts store should have one, I believe AutoZone has one you can rent, its free, but you need to leave a deposit, which you will get back when returned...If they don't have one, check Advance Auto or NAPA
SVT

 

[tjs4x4]

Ok. I have to go back to AZ to get some stuff anyways. will check with them. I sure hope its not the new pump that I just bought. those ps pump pulleys are a pain in the butt to take off and put on.

If its not the pump, then how do I replace the steering gear??

 

[RangerSVT]

Both the pump and the box are pretty easy...AZ has a PS pump pulley puller/installer you can rent, and you will need to rent a pitman arm puller from AZ to change the gearbox....the pitman arm, 2 hydraulic lines, the steering rod and 3 or 4 bolts is all it takes for the gearbox, pretty straight forward and relatively easy...You will need an 1 1/8 or 1 1/4 socket for the pitman arm nut, the rest is 13, 15, or 17mm wrenches IIRC...
SVT

 

[tjs4x4]

Well, I jacked up the front end, turned the wheels quite a few more times. Still the same. I'm just going to take it to the tire shop tomorrow and see if they can figure it out. I'm tired of trying to self-diagnose.

 

[adsm08]

Its probably the gear box. Usually, I'm talking about 90% of the ones I've seen, hard steering is a blocked or distorted power valve in the gear box, not a bad pump.

That other 10% were poor maintenance taking out the pump, which in turn gums up the valve anyway.

 

[tjs4x4]

Ok, so is there any way to check the gear box to see for sure if that's it?

 

[Little X]

As RangerSVT said, there are only 2 parts it could be: the pump or the box. Since you've replaced the pump it's pretty much got to be the box. They wear out, and with your truck nearly 20 years old it's almost certainly time for a new one.

 

[tjs4x4]

Ok, so how much is a new one, versus trying to find a used one in which I have no idea what condition its in?

 

[adsm08]

AZ lists it for about $250.

 

[tjs4x4]

Yikes.

Is it bad to be driving with a bad gearbox?