Power steering help!

[Yupneck]

I just replaced my power steering box on my 86 GW with a rebuild and also new hoses. I flushed and bled as instructed, yet now the "Yupneck" is harder to steer. Did I not bleed it properly and will this correct itself in time or do I have bigger problems such as a bad box or pump. One of the things I like best about the GW is it's ease of steering. Thanks for the help!

[ColeTrickle]

Sorry, I may not be much of help here, considering I'm about to replace the same. I would make sure all your fittings were tight and open the cap to your power steering pump. Then turn your wheels both ways, lock to lock a few times. I don't recall how many times exactly. I believe this expells the air in the system. Oh yeah, what is a "yupneck" anyway? And please post a follow up.
To any others who have done this before: Will this eliminate the 2" of play out of my steering?
HTH, and thanks for the reply.

[Michael]

Okay, I am sure this cannot happen because they are diffrent fittings. But did you get the line mixed up? One is the return and one is the fead. I did mine also and did not have that problem but my directions did not say to flush it. Did you work the fluid into the gear box and the pump? Is your pumps belt tight? Mine was noticeably harder to steer. Still "soft" or "easy" to steer. But major stability change. How hard is it?

[Yupneck]

I have checked the fittings and they are not crossed and are tight. I will try opening the cap tonight and see if it helps after going lock to lock several times. The steering is only noticeably harder to steer, kinda like how a performance car tightens up at high speeds. A "yupneck" is a cross between a yuppie and a redneck-that's how I would describe the GW. It's also a nickname I was given years ago because I am a plowboy by heart with a college education.

[Michael]

Mine is a lot more stable or "stiff" around corners also. I think it is great. I do not "roll" around the corners. I would bet you were just used to the "wandering" of the Wag steering. Sounds like you did everything right. How does it steer on a regular turn...Are you sure you have power steering?

[Yupneck]

It's definitely power steering and it has always been "tight" in the curves-it has only 82K original miles. Before the change, I could go around curves with one finger on the wheel, but now I have to keep my grip to make a hard turn. Hopefully, another bleed and check of the pump will solve the problem.

[Michael]

Yupneck...By the way..Love the name. LOL
Saw your post on the yahoo groups also. You stated there that it is harder to steer in one direction but not the other. Hmmmm. That makes me think that there is something wrong with that box. It should be the same all the way around. Take it off and return it is what I would say. It does not take much to blead it. Fill, side to side with the wheel, fill and so on. Once it is full you should be done. :eek:

[Kimbrough]

O.k. boys, here's some info for ya. Bleed the system by turning the wheels NOT QUITE lock to lock - engine running. Actually, I have heard both ways - engine running and engine off. Couldn't hurt to try 'em both ways...

If your steering is loose, here's how to adjust it: http://www.ifsja.org/tech/steering/boxadj.shtml
Good luck!

[Ernzo]

I replaced a PS pump recently. Had similar issues. The bleeding is important, and it takes awhile, letting it sit in between. If it has air (it does if you droped the lines, which you did to replace the pump) the air will work out. Bleeding ought to be done with the wheels up on stands, motor off, cap off, and SLOWLY. If you run it with the cap off, it will burp excessivly. Lastly, my first rbuilt pump proved defective. After much BST, I took it back. The next one went on MUCH easier (I knew the ropes) and worked instantly.

I wrote a detailed description on the install/bleed if you want it.

E

[ClarkstonGT]

Similar problem. I replaced my steering box in May. Prior to that, I could steer with my pinky finger. Afterward, everything became very stiff and the Jeep wandered worse than ever. I replaced tie rods, etc. Nothing helped. I tried adjusting the box per the Tech section. It helped a little, but I shouldn't have had to adjust a brand new (rebuilt) box so I'm told. I finally took it to a mechanic whos said he suspected the box was bad. So, I removed the box (last Saturday) and replaced it with a new one. Well, it is still behaving the same. So, this morning, I took it to Tires Plus around the corner. They drove it and said something is definitely wrong. The first thing they did was do an alignment. The guy suspected the toe was out of adjustment. He just called a few minutes ago to say that that didn't do it (although I do know it needed alignment). Anyway, he said they suspected the box. Right now they are still looking into it. I am going to get to the bottom of this if it kills me. I am beginning to wonder if there are a bunch of these boxes on the market that aren't being rebuilt or setup properly. Anyway, when I or Tires Plus figures it out, I will let you all know.

[ClarkstonGT]

Update. I just got off the phone with Tires Plus. He says it is the box. I am going to have them replace it. I have suspected the box all along. It is really the only thing that makes sense. I will let you guys know if this actually does fix the problem. Their box is considerably more expensive, but at this point I don't care. I just want a Jeep that I can feel safe in.

[Michael]

Yeap, I bet they are right. It is the only thing it could be. I did mine and I did not have any problems. Actually it is awesome. What kind of box did you buy and where did you get it. I bet there is a bad bread out there and both of you have them. Good luck... ;)

[ClarkstonGT]

I got both of mine from Advance Auto Parts. My original box was fine; it was just leaking. I usually prefer new parts. That's why I replaced it. Live and learn.

[ClarkstonGT]

Update - Don't go taking your gear box back just yet. Apparently their new box didn't fix the problem either. Now they want to try a new power steering pump. I'll keep you posted.

As an aside. Someone once told me, and it has been my experience that anytime you change one part of a system it is best to change every part you can. For instance, if you take out your leaky old radiator and replace it with a tight new one, your old water pump usually fails because it can't handle the new higher pressure required. Your replace the water pump and old worn out hoses begin to fail. I wonder if that is the situation here. There is nothing wrong with the new gear boxes, the worn out pump just can't handle the load. Naturally, we blame the gear box because it is the new part and there was nothing wrong before.

[Michael]

Makes sense Clarkston. Keep us posted.

[ClarkstonGT]

Ok, this is getting ridiculous. The guys at Tires Plus (who are very nice and seem competent) are completely stumped. They have tried new gear boxes and a new pump and it is still doing the same thing. Now they want to take it to the dealer (which I know from experience is a long shot). I'll keep you posted.

P.S. Has anyone else had this problem with the stiff steering and wandering after changing gear boxes. If so, how did you fix it? I am really stumped.

[flybear]

I just replaced all the bearings and seals in the box on my CJ. I bled the lines with the wheels up, motor running and cap off. After turning lock to lock slowly a few times, I shut the motor off for a few minutes to let things settle, then added fluid and repeated. The leaks are gone, the box is tight and it handles and steers perfect.One thing I did do different was use synthetic ATF. (AMSOIL)