Hydroboost problems

[Tiko433]

I installed a hydroboost a few years ago. I have never been quite happy with it.
One issue I have it seems as I turn the steering gets stiff, looses assist. When the truck is running if seems I have to give it some revs to help the pump when I slow down to make a turn.
Other issue, the brakes don’t grab like I think they should.
Here is my set up
WH hydroboost
WH Dual Return Power Steering Pump + Serpentine Pulley | Delphi-Style ( new)
This is a new pump , thinking it was my issue.
Disc brakes all around
35s
I run it for over a year thinking it would get better and maybe work some air out but it never did.
My thoughts, maybe I could use a smaller pulley get the pump to push more, I did not try that.
At this point I have taken it apart and going to go over the install again.
I did notice the braided pressure line to the HB had an area where it was kinked at one time. Is it possible once a braided line is bent/kinked it can fail? Collapse and squeeze Pressure off?
I’m going to bench bleed the MC and go over reinstall.
Is the something I can check on the HB ? I heard of a valve that can get hung up.
Checking to see what yall think. I’m so disappointed in this set up, I have thought about going back to my vacuum assist set up. It worked pretty dam good.
While it’s apart what should I be checking?
Do you think I should replace that line ?

 

[cldonley]

What type of braided line are you running? A kink won’t normally ruin a rubber line. PTFE hose is a bit more susceptible to damage but it’s also harder to kink. Steel braided lines can sometimes hide internal problems. I’d pull the hose off and shine a light through it. If there’s no blockage, and it’s not leaking or bulging it should be fine.

 

[Tiko433]

That’s an idea..
the line came with the kit, it’s like a Stainless Steel braided type.

 

[toddz69]

I'd start with the line as well.

Todd Z.

 

[Tiko433]

I will check the hose , I don’t know anything about the HB but I have read there is a valve that gets out of position. Do yall know anything about that ? Is that something to check before I put it back together?

 

[ba123]

There is definitely something not right there. It is NOT the Hydroboost, it is something in your setup.

How about some pics or video showing exactly how it's setup and maybe someone will see something? Show all the plumbing.

 

[Broncobowsher]

There is definitely something not right there. It is NOT the Hydroboost, it is something in your setup.

How about some pics or video showing exactly how it's setup and maybe someone will see something? Show all the plumbing.

My feeling as well. The fact everything is fine if you give it some revs has me looking at the pump itself.

 

[Tiko433]

Thanks guys , I will post some pictures and line routing when I get a chance.
When I was expecting these problems the first time, I put a new pump on it and it didn’t help.
I will see what yall think after I get some pictures.

 

[nvrstuk]

Important Q's-

Answer in context. thanks

What is your idle rpm?
What rpm do you notice it (the strg) needs additional assist to be able to turn the wheels?
What if any issue do you have at idle (whatever rpm that is) when turning into a parking space lets say at a grocery store??? In other words you are doing 3 mph and then you need to take a HARD 90 deg turn into the space. Does the strg wheel feel like it gets harder to turn AND you can't turn it fast enough to get the front wheels pointing where you want to go- like they won't turn fast enough?

 

[Tiko433]

I have it back together and took it for a drive. It is better, feels like I am definitely getting the brake assist. Steering…. Although it is better driving it does not get hard like it use to, it stays consistent. Before when slowed down or pulled into a parking spot I really had to fight it. It’s better although I’m not turning it with one hand. When I’m pulling into a spot or my driveway it’s both hand not like it was. It’s an explorer EFI set up, idle is at 800-900. I am running 35s.
The things I did on my reinstall that may have helped.
1-The return line from HB to steering box, the one I suspected of being pinched, I made it as straight as possible and made sure it was clear.
2- the steering box return line the to pump return it had a tight bend it the line, possibly restricting flow. I made the line as straight as possible also.
Are these 35s too big for this set up. This is a duel return pump so I’m not using a T. I can’t remember prior to installing the HB if the steering is about where it is now
When it’s stopped to turn the wheels from full right and full left it will do it but not with one hand.

I few years ago I was running 3 1/2 lift and 33s. PS with vacuum assist brakes. Truck ran and drove awesome.
Like most if us we are always changing things. I went with a 4 1/2 and 35s then the HB system. Never been happy with set up.

 

[nvrstuk]

Back to my questions...

IF it is sitting at idle or moving at 3mph and you need to crank the strg wheel quickly hard left or right to turn into a parking spot ... "Does the strg wheel feel like it gets harder to turn AND you can't turn it fast enough to get the front wheels pointing where you want to go- like they won't turn fast enough?"

Answer this and it will help determine a couple much needed facts since you have possibly fixed the kinked hose issues.

If designed and installed correctly the HB strg setup will turn 44" tires that are aired down to almost flat at the same time your front end is locked, on concrete or slickrock...

 

[Oldtimer]

Cooler on HB retrn line to pump is not doing much.
It needs to be on steering box return line.

 

[ba123]

Something doesn't look right. I'll go out and look at mine to see how I did it and add to this, but...

No, 35's are NOT too big. I have them and I can turn on a dime and stop on a dime as well.

And my PS pump is less capable than yours, I have the stock Explorer pump (with a Lee's reservoir which does help).

I am pretty sure it goes pump to HB and one line from HB to pump reservoir.

Other line from HB to steering box, then cooler, then pump reservoir.

 

[ba123]

Yes, that is correct what I said. Here:

You might need to branch together the two return lines(one from HB and one from steering then cooler) or you can get a res that has two inlets (an one out to the pump) or maybe the pump you have it’s integrated so not mane no choice but the one.

Either way, you need to tix the routing.

 

[Tiko433]

On your picture…. When you have return noted … where are you running the return to? Mine goes to the cooler
I have my my HB ports like yours …
This better shows how I have it hooked up

I do have a confession..!! When I first hooked this thing up Some I attached the attached the high pressure line out the HB to the low out side of the steering box….
I didn’t run it long, found out real quick. Maybe I missed the box up…,

!!!!! DO NOT USE THIS DIAGRAM!!!!
See diagram later in thread

 

[ba123]

Sorry, I should put a pic in for that my Lee’s reservoir I got with two return ports so:

The one closest to us is the steering return from steering box then coolet

Right top is return from HB.

Bottom right is outlet to pump.

If you have only one return inlet, you need a tee or a Y might be better into on and tie that HB return and the Steering box/Cooler return together into on to the reservoir.

 

[Tiko433]

It’s a dual return pump. Do you read my comment hooking the HB high pressure line to the out of the steering box by accident when I first hooked it .
Now revisiting all of this I bet I messed the power steering box up. It’s it full of seals and O rings ? I have never taken one apart.
I only ran it a bit, I realized real quick it wasn’t right.

 

[cldonley]

Is the steering gear leaking externally?

 

[ba123]

It’s a dual return pump. Do you read my comment hooking the HB high pressure line to the out of the steering box by accident when I first hooked it .
Now revisiting all of this I bet I messed the power steering box up. It’s it full of seals and O rings ? I have never taken one apart.
I only ran it a bit, I realized real quick it wasn’t right.

Sorry, I missed that part.

I would not take the box apart unless it’s leaking. Don’t think you’d do damage to those seals with lines backwards. Just lack of steering assist.

But you are prob giving your system more difficulty by running the cooler where it should not be. You’re giving the HB using resistance in the line which is like a pinched line. It should go straight back to the reservoir. It doesn’t need cooling.

The line between the steering box and the reservoir is where you want to cool.

 

[Tiko433]

No leaks on the box.
That’s an idea about the cooler. I only added because I thought more fluid would solve my issue. It’s easy enough to delete I will give it a try.
Thanks guys …
I will keep yall posted…