Diagnose power steering pump (?) problem

[joshd1971bronco]

Fired up my 76 for the first time. Engine runs great. Power steering pump doesn't appear to be working. Its full of fluid, I've got the front end on jacks and cycled it back and forth a number of times.
It does NOT appear to be providing any power assist and further, steadily pulls the wheels to the right, full lock, while running. Doesn't make any weird noises or anything. Pulley and shaft are turning fine. I do have the factory finned fluid cooler installed.
Would you suspect the pump, the steering box (original), or...?

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[Viperwolf1]

I suspect you have the lines reversed. Return line is closest to input shaft.

 

[joshd1971bronco]

Thanks for the thought. Went down to the shop first thing this morning. The hose routing is correct.
Any other thoughts? Not a lot else to check I guess. It's either the pump or the box right?
The pump is a stock style parts house reman unit. It's 'new' but was bought about 10 years ago and has sat since.
Should I suspect the steering box at all or are they generally pretty solid?


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[Viperwolf1]

The pump can't make the box turn by itself. What's the history of the box?

 

[joshd1971bronco]

The box is the original 76 box that came with the truck.
I cannot verify (remember) if it worked before tearing everything down as the truck was barely drivable when I got it. Drove it around the yard for just a few minutes is all....and that was 10 years ago.
The box appears stock and unmolested.
It turns freely enough from lock to lock. But, when running and with the front end on jacks, the pump seems to 'pull' the wheels to right lock. Takes maybe 10 seconds from straight to right lock.
Blown/bad internal seals maybe? Fixable?



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[Viperwolf1]

If the hoses are correct it's a problem in the box. You won't know if its fixable until its apart. If water ever got into the box it may not be fixable.