Power Steering Problems

[justincollier]

I was driving to work this morning and when I went to turn out of my neighborhood, I realized that I had "armstrong" steering. After work this afternoon, I checked the fluid level and the pressure hose from the reservoir. It seemed to be leaking a little from somewhere, because I saw some fluid on the frame, but there was enough in the reservoir to facilitate power steering. I did not notice the pump whining or any other noises that would lead me to believe that failure was imminent. Is there something else that I can check, or does it sound like the power steering pump. Just looking for some opinions, because like everyone else, money is tight, so don't just want to guess.

Thanks,
Justin.

[justincollier]

Anyone have an opinion?

[Diesel Monkey]

Clean off your steering box, I have used carb cleaner. Also the top plate of the steering box can crack, difficult to see. Steering box is about $200-325, pump is about $100.

The plastic part of the steering pump leaks when an o-ring fails. The return line can fail also.

[symbols]

Did you check your belt? I know it sounds obvious but you never know. Ford pumps will puke fluid when you steer with the pump not operating.

[justincollier]

Thanks. I was going to check the steering box. I was just wondering if that would affect the power steering? The truck still steers, but power steering is definitely gone. I was just curious, because I do not know all of the components included in the power steering system.

I did notice power steering fluid on the outside of the reservoir cap. Maybe that is an indication of the pump failing?

[justincollier]

Does anyone know if the power steering pump pully nut is left or right handed threads?

[Tyler]

Check your tire pressuers, before I had a slow leak in one tire and when it would get a little low, I would have armstrong steering.

[bigcountrysg]

There is no nut on the pulley on the pump. The pulley requires a special puller to remove it.

[justincollier]

To follow-up my question from last night, I have the pump almost out. I am unable to fully back out the bolts that hold the pump to the bracket because the bolt head are interfering with the pump pulley. Is it necessary to remove the pump pulley to remove the pump or am I just missing something?

[justincollier]

I pulled the pump and mounting bracket out tonight, and spun the pump by hand. I noticed that every rotation that I made, a small amount of air would come out of the high-pressure orifice. Is this a sign that the pump is operating properly, or would this happen regardless of the condition of the pump.