Power Steering not working...leave it?

[Initialjoe]

When I bought my truck earlier this year the Power steering wasn't working. However, at that time the brakes and transmission were a larger issue so I have taken care of those issues and have finally gotten the truck running right. I have been running without power steering for at least 2000 miles or so.

When I pour fluid into the reservoir the power steering will whine, half-work, and then stop whining/working as the fluid rapidly leaks out of the reservoir. I haven't added fluid into it for a while, but I would assume it would do the same thing if I added fluid. Do I only have to replace this reservoir? Or have I damaged something by running without fluid? The belt/pulley has been working fine, it has just been difficult to turn without the power steering. Also, can I just leave it without the power steering? I don't mind, it's just annoying in parking lots.

These might be stupid questions, but this is my first vehicle with power steering issues.

 

[adsm08]

The PS fluid lubes and cools the bearings in the pump that the shaft for the pulley runs on. They will fail eventually, and the pump will seize up. You either need to fix that leak or find an idler from a PS delete truck.

 

[Mark_88]

I removed the PS from my truck and put in a manual gear box. I prefer that and have gotten used to it...parking can be a pain, especially on a extended cab...but you get used to it...and I usually park farther away where there are more spots to choose from...

Haven't driven it since changing the manual box over (new truck or rebuild rather) but I drove my other one for about five years with the manual steering...

I've been trying to sell my PS unit for a few months and nobody interested so far...but you might have a bit of a problem finding an older used unit that isn't leaking...buy a new one if you want to keep it and you won't regret the added cost...if they're still available.

 

[enjr44]

OK, I got that the power steering system has a large leak. What is leaking? The pump? Hose? The reservoir? Do a little looking under there. You can get one of these for 50 bucks

http://www.autozone.com/suspension-...ers-a-2-3l-efi/8980_35988_2558/?checkfit=true

And, for that price I would fix it.

 

[Initialjoe]

Okay, I need to fix it then. That's why I was asking - didn't know if it was safe to drive with it the way it is. I have no idea where it is leaking from...that'll have to be be next weekends project.

 

[Mark_88]

Good to see they can be found...

Most common leaks are the O rings around the lines where they are supposed to seal...replacement rings can be had also...there are actually a few threads on here about people fixing the leaks from O rings...so not hard to do as long as you get the right part.

 

[Initialjoe]

I suppose my bigger concern is that I messed it up by running it without fluid for so long.

Is it hard to get parts for Ford Rangers from the 90s? I didn't think I would have that problem with these since I see a few trucks of my body style running around my town.

 

[tomw]

If you run the pump 'dry', without fluid, the 'slippers' inside the pump will score the pump body, making the pump whine and possibly not develop pressure. The gear box is likely undamaged.
If you think the pump will work, and don't mind the noise, you can buy a complete seal kit from your dealer and re-seal the pump if that is the leak. If not, the hoses can be replaced without a lot of difficulty. It will just be noisy.
tom

 

[adsm08]

Oh that pump is super common. It was used in a lot of things for a very long time, so getting one, even after market should be extremely easy.

 

[Initialjoe]

Oh that pump is super common. It was used in a lot of things for a very long time, so getting one, even after market should be extremely easy.

Alright, I thought so! That's one of the reasons I got my Ranger. Thanks.