Solid Axle Steering Issue

[bebe]

It's #1

 

[4speedfunk]

Hmmmm...Hard to say what you got going on there. All the PS systems are pretty much the same...box, pump, hoses, fluid.

The box itself is pretty durable, in terms of fluid handling. Most problems with the box are due to wear...dry seals and sloppy shafts. Don't let the box's physical appearance fool you...a nasty, rusty ole box can run forever, and a nice, shiney, black one can fail immediately...so don't be too quick to replace it. Its what's on the inside that matters.

The pump is more delicate than the box. It needs constant fluid or it will burn itself up. Like any pump...it can also be damaged by cavitation (air bubbles in the fluid). The procedure Recon described is a good idea to remove any foaming and bubbles during start-up. It also applies to guys with stock rack & pinion systems too. Make sure you don't over-fill the reservoir...use the lines on the dipstick, and check it frequently for a week after start-up.

The hoses are almost always the cause of leaks. In your case...you've got a GM Delco pump, which requires the correct O-ring fitting on the pressure side, and a return line that is held to the pump with a typical hose clamp. On the other end (at the box) of the hoses....no telling what you got! The stock H3 rack & pinion hoses won't thread into the Toyota pump, so somebody (the previous owner) had to adapt the hoses to fit it. This is where I would look first. Judging from the other fab work on your truck...my guess is that somebody tried to half-a$$ rig the hoses, and the pressure hose has failed where it is attached to the box. I'm running a Nissan box (very similar to yours), and I bought the correct adapters that thread into the casting...then I used -AN fittings on custom hoses. This is the correct, (high-dollar) way to do your hoses. In my case...I chose -AN fittings because they gave me the most choices for elbows, and I could cut the rubber to the correct length and install the ends myself. You should be able to find a local hydraulic repair shop to make you custom hoses for around $100. You don't need to use -AN fittings, as long as you know what fittings the Toyota box uses (and your hose guy can find them). You do need to use specific hydraulic hose...not AutoZone fuel line!

The fluid is dual purpose. It makes the whole thing work, and also lubricates the pump. The fact that you had a problem during cold weather is no surprise. Rubber hoses get hard and fluid becomes more viscous when its cold. This puts extra stress on the pump, and hoses...pressure is higher when its cold. I use stock H3 Delco fluid in my rig...figured that would keep the pump happy, and so far it has. I don't think the box cares as much what fluid you use.

I went back and re-read your posts...and I'm not sure where you're at right now. It sounds like your leak has mysteriously stopped?...and you have no PS? If so, you might have a dead pump or a clogged hose. Frankly I've never heard of a clogged hose...but it was a used box, and maybe there was a booger inside it. Regardless...start with your hoses. They are the cheapest and easiest items to fix...and they are the culprit 90% of the time. Inspect them, and make sure they are the correct material, and they have fittings! Hose clamps are for tractors! After that...I would focus on the pump. The box is probably okay...or at least, last on the list.

 

[bebe]

He's a;ready lost pressure.

 

[07Custom]

Alright everyone, horrible day at work but I'm back on here. Driving around in my moms minivan....just not cutting it!!! :gaah: So here is my plan of action:

1. Degrease everything
2. Remove the hoses and inspect them for cracks, holes, inperfections. Look at the fittings as well. Make sure they aren't clogged.
3. If those are good, take out the pump and replace it. If that still doesn't fix it...
4. Replace the damn box again.

Does this seem to be the right things to start with?

-Ken

 

[Scarsman]

I would first degrease everything and then maybe try having someone turn it while you watch and see if you can see where the leak is. But of course if your pump is toast and not making any pressure now, then you'll need to replace that first.

Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk

 

[07Custom]

Could a faulty line make it seem like the pump is dead? I just want to know where to look first. I just thought lines would be the first best guess.

 

[4speedfunk]

Clearly something has let go. Fluid doesn't fly everywhere, unless something is leaking. Don't start tearing stuff apart, until you find out whats wrong. It should be very easy to diagnose...there are only a few parts to check. If your PS is dead, it usually means one of three things...

1. The drive belt is broke.
2. The system is empty from a leak...(most likely a bad pressure hose).
3. The pump is dead.

It is much easier to find a leak while everything is intact. However, you need pressure to find it. So if you cannot get pressure...the pump is most likely toast.

I doubt if the box is the problem.

 

[bebe]

To be honest, I'm not 100% sure. I opened the hood and topped off the fluid (power steering fluid

) and it was reasonably full? strange strange strange. I reversed it half way up the street and drove down turning left to right and still no power steering. I dont know exactly where the fluid is coming from, it's everywhere though top to bottom so i'm thinking its from one of the hoses rather than the box itself. Immediately after driving it back down the street I looked at it and nothing was leaking....so confusing lol

Pump wise, I never looked into it...so I'm assuming that it's probably the factory pump. Either way, it's clear fluid for me...from now on! How am I going to find out whether its from the hose itself or the fitting? Any tricks you've learned over the years?

If it had pressure, it would still be leaking.

You said you drove it, it had fluid, and that you had no power steering. If it has fluid and it doesn't leak, it's dead.

 

[07Custom]

UPDATE:

FIXED

Not necessarily what we thought. It was the hose...in two places. The high pressure hose had a huge exploded hole in the side of it where it connects to the box, and the part that connected to the pump was crimped.

That was the reason that it was having trouble pushing fluid maybe? The guys at the shop said that it was pretty blocked up on that end.

New Hose, better than before steering. I'd like to thank everyone who helped me in finding out what to look at and target. Now I pretty much know what to look for in regards to power steering and its components.

THANKS!! :cheers:

 

[ReconH3]

Awesome! You live and you learn.



Ex Umbris Venimus