New steering box issue?

[steelworker77]

Bought a new lares 4 turn power steering box from summit. The old one was a 76 unit on my 71. Only reason for replacing was the previous owner had the adjustment screw cranked in to get rid of play. With the rest of my steering being new I figured I would replace.

I copied this from a post I read while searching but didn't see an answer as to what was actually wrong as mine is doing the exact same thing. Mine I more notice while sitting still turning wheels back and forth. Didn't have this problem with the previous box. Only thing different now is a don't currently have the steering stabilizer on. Pump is full. Maybe still air in the system?

"This brings up another question about the PS pump. I notice that asa I turn the wheel, the response is a little resistant to the turn and it reaches a point where it just seems to "break free" and "all of a sudden" turn. Kind of eye opening while driving. Is this a bleeding problem?"

 

[steelworker77]

Pretty stumped on this. Maybe the new ps pump is going out. Odd that the problem only started after replacing steering box though.

Tried every method of bleeding and no change. With tires off the ground everything works as should. As soon as weight is back on it it acts as described above. Easy to turn then hits some resistance then literally breaks free and spins free again.

Belt is new and tight.

Running wild horses hd pump and lares 4 turn box.

Maybe it was always doing it and the steering stabilizer was just hiding it?

Very weird. Especially while driving

 

[73azbronco]

doesn't sound like pump, sounds like a bind either in the box or steering components

 

[steelworker77]

Thinking it has to be in the new box as I didn't have it with the previous box. Only issue with the previous box is the steering was tight from previous owner cranking in sector shaft to hide play.

Linkage is all new and column spun fine when the shaft was unhooked from box. U joint in steering shaft seemed free. Right side axle and u joints are new. Left side is still old.but didn't feel any play. U joint could maybe be giving me issues?

I'm running stock height pitman arm and track bar with wh 2 1/2" lift. Track bar is adjustable and steering and everything is centered. Maybe just got a bad box.

 

[bronco217]

Did you ever solve this/ What did you do with your old box? do you want to sell it?

Tom

 

[steelworker77]

Honestly not really. After I replaced the stabilizer it basically just seems to mask the issue. I also found out I was missing the bushing and spring behind the steering wheel in my column. That seemed to help as well as the column was binding. I checked all linkage again (all brand new), column, and everything I could think of. One thing I have noticed is my passenger side knuckle is much tighter to turn than the drivers side. Not horrible but definitely a good bit tighter than the other side. I do have 10" wide wheels with 33 MT tires and I run my front tires right around 25 psi so maybe thats binding it up some.

Was going send my old box out to be rebuilt at some point.

 

[m_m70]

Was going send my old box out to be rebuilt at some point.

Why not send the Lares box back??

I do have 10" wide wheels with 33 MT tires and I run my front tires right around 25 psi so maybe thats binding it up some.

Don't think that's an issue........

 

[Madgyver]

send lares box back. rebuild stock box.

 

[steelworker77]

I have a drop pitman arm and track bar bracket sitting around somewhere I never stuck on. If I have time this weekend maybe I will throw them on. They are pretty damn close to as parallel as could be but they are at a fairly steep angle. Running a new Wild Horses 2 1/2" kit and dont seem to be getting little to no bump steer. I am running a front sway bar as well. Figure it cant hurt to at least try.