power steering tech needed

[joshf78]

Hi guys, I need a little help on my power steering. The issue was that I was slinging fluid out the front of my pump, so I got a rebuild kit for it and rebuilt it. While it was slinging fluid it also got steadily worse with being extremely hard to turn the wheel, and a nice noise to go along with it. Not a belt squeal, a pump wine or groan. After rebuilding and putting back together, I bled the system and the first time I started it up and tried to move it it went great. As the truck warmed up it got steadily worse until it was back to being a strong arm steering. Turns out it is only when hot. When it's cold it's a single finger turning the wheel, but that doesn't last long. What I've come to figure out is I am losing flow to the rack, and I figure my flow control valve 'b' I believe is the culprit but I'm not sure. What would make flow stop when it gets warm, and what can I do to fix it? I found the rebuild kit pretty easy but I didn't find any flow valves anywhere and finding info on power steering stuff is pretty hard too. I need help and info if you can, please! Thanks!

[Leo1998]

What fluid did you put back in it?

power-steering-fluid-t328656.html

[Leo1998]

This section talks about flow valves http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/QX4/2001%20 ... System.pdf

[joshf78]

I have the manual, that's what I used to help with the pump rebuild and whatnot. It was refilled with normal part steering fluid.

[atraudes]

Unfortunately, I don't have any solid answers for you, but I do have some questions that may help illuminate what's going on:

1. How's your fluid level? I'm guessing you've already checked, but it's worth an ask.
2. Do you have any leaks? Specifically, check the hoses to the pump and to the steering rack.
3. Does revving the engine higher when it's hot improve the steering resistance?
4. Is it any harder to turn left vs. right, or vice versa?
5. Any noise while turning when it's hard? Whining, groaning, etc. Maybe have someone turn the wheel while you listen.

The resolutions to this type of problem usually either point to using the wrong fluid type or a bad steering rack

Someone that had the same symptoms as you:

heavy-power-steering-when-warmed-up-as- ... 19673.html

[joshf78]

It could be the wrong fluid, I'm using normal power steering fluid, is there a recommended type to use? It does get better if it's revved a bit when warm and locked up, it usually is enough to get it moving enough to finish getting out or into a parking spot or whatever. While driving it isn't bad, so with more pump speed it's better. It doesn't matter left or right. And it does make the normal loud noise a pump makes when it's at our lock and you keep tiring to turn more. Not a squeal not a groan, something on between that one always known as a no no noise.

[atraudes]

Synthetic ATF is what's recommended for the power steering fluid. Using anything else could certainly explain what's going on.

Towncivilian recommended checking the power steering pressure switch for a similar issue. That may be worth checking as well:

post6533757.html

[Leo1998]

My power steering fluid reservoir has it right on the cap - Dexron III. For some reason, none of the "Power Steering Fluid" bottles in the store said whether or not they were Dexron III, so I bought transmission fluid that said it was Dexron III.

[atraudes]

That's a pretty good sign that's not the issue