Power steering pump problem

[Hardwareman]

I just removed my engine and tranny and reinstalled after swapping the trans and addressing some engine issues. The Ranger is running perfect right now and does'nt leak a drop of fluids but there is one problem now that was'nt there before.................MY POWER STEERING PUMP!

While the vehicle is moving it's fine to drive, but in parking lots and what not it's just manual steering. Also, when the engine rpm's are up it works good but once they fall to about 1500 (guessing here) it's harder then hell to turn the meats. I know I got some water in the pump when I was pressure washing it and the fluid does'nt look so good. How do I flush the system and are there any tips or tricks to try before I know I'll need to replace it? Thanks.



Allen

 

[kunar]

as far as i know, the only flush is to either:
a) siphon out the reservoir and replace it, circulate the fluid and repeat -or-
b) pull one hose off and put it in a bucket. spin the pump by hand till its empty. refill and repeat

 

[Hardwareman]

Thanks kunar.

I called AutoZone and they verified that it's a lifetime power steering pump, so all I have to do now is go rent the pulley removal tool and replace.

Thing's are going good with the Ranger again finally!





Allen

 

[MAKG]

You can buy that tool from Harbor Freight for somewhere around $10.

Flushing works better if you pump the fluid with the steering gear (pop the linkage off and turn the steering wheel stop to stop) rather than the pump. Otherwise, you get a reservoir of fluid on both sides of the piston that doesn't get circulated.

And of course it's the return line that gets removed. Once you pull it off, the reservoir will drain right away. Most of the fluid is in the gear and it won't get touched if you remove the pressure line.

 

[Hardwareman]

So, when I remove the pump to change it take the pressure line off and then turn the steering wheel from side to side? Thanks.




Allen

 

[MAKG]

No, the return line.

Or both of them (they have to come off anyway).