Power Steering turns right on it own

[romerdoug]

I’m hoping this isn’t a thread I just missed but I’ve been searching for over a week.
I have a factory power steering box that was just rebuilt. The box is smooth as silk in both directions without the bronco running. As soon as the engine is running it turns itself to full lock to the right. I can fight with it to get it to turn left but as soon as I let go of the wheel it turns back to the right. I bled the system prior to starting it and there is no air in it. I am running a Saginaw pump and thought it could be a pressure issue, switched to a stock pump and it does the same thing.

 

[SteveL]

Stuck or blocked valve in the new box?

 

[romerdoug]

Stuck or blocked valve in the new box?

That’s why I’m here! At this point I’m stumped. Is there any way of checking troubleshooting a stuck valve without pulling the box apart?

 

[Yeller]

Time for a warranty or new rebuild. One of the seals is leaking in the spool valve, or it is assembled incorrectly. Unless…. You have hydro assists, the hoses are backwards on the ram.

 

[romerdoug]

Time for a warranty or new rebuild. One of the seals is leaking in the spool valve, or it is assembled incorrectly. Unless…. You have hydro assists, the hoses are backwards on the ram.

I appreciate it. No hydro assist so I guess I’ll tear it apart and see what’s going on with it. I’ve rebuilt several of them and they have never had any issues, was hoping it was just something I had overlooked.

 

[Yeller]

Your welcome.

My guess is a cut seal on the spool valve.

On full hydraulic steering if there is resistance in the steering column it will self steer, so it could be something putting the torsion bar in a bind inside the spool valve causing it to think it is being told to turn.

 

[512cadillac]

I had one that did that, It came with a bronco that had been in a light roll over. I tried putting a rebuild kit in it but found that the spool valve would not line up correctly during assembly. I could not find the part to replace myself so it was sent in for a rebuild. When it came back with new valving it worked perfectly. I know the part was replaced because it was part of the splined shaft your column hooks to and I marked the part. If you dont know the history on your power steering box I would bet that it has a similar issue and will need some parts beyond a seal kit. John

 

[romerdoug]

I had one that did that, It came with a bronco that had been in a light roll over. I tried putting a rebuild kit in it but found that the spool valve would not line up correctly during assembly. I could not find the part to replace myself so it was sent in for a rebuild. When it came back with new valving it worked perfectly. I know the part was replaced because it was part of the splined shaft your column hooks to and I marked the part. If you dont know the history on your power steering box I would bet that it has a similar issue and will need some parts beyond a seal kit. John

I appreciate it. I’ll have to look at everything when I take it back apart. I don’t remember their being any issues with it when I rebuilt it but it has been awhile. With life getting in the way, this build has taken way longer than I wanted.

 

[DirtDonk]

What are the usual symptoms when the pressure and return lines are reversed? Is it something different, like oscillating back-and-forth, or jumping in whichever direction you’re turning? Or is there a possibility that it can do this as well?
Just curious. Asking for a friend, of course!

 

[Broncobowsher]

Pressure and return swapped is a rapid and violent oscillation. Not the issue here.
Something wrong with the spool valve. Talk with whoever built the steering box.

 

[nvrstuk]

What are the usual symptoms when the pressure and return lines are reversed? Is it something different, like oscillating back-and-forth, or jumping in whichever direction you’re turning? Or is there a possibility that it can do this as well?
Just curious. Asking for a friend, of course!

When the lines to the HB are reversed the strg will work. It is stiff, doesn't assist like it should but it does work and allows it to be driven down the road.

There is a line/hose diagram floating here on CB that has the wrong hoses going to the incorrect fittings on the ACTUAL HB. Not knowing the difference and using the diagram from our trusted CB site I hooked mine up and went snowwheeling the next day. Thing had the symptoms I listed above but nothing like violent oscillations or anything similar.

Just mentioning this for others too as I remember reading posts here on CB & commenting to others that had used the same line diagram and had the same issue I did years ago. I tried to get that diagram flagged or taken down or at least an alert on it but nothing happened.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Reversing the lines at the steering box will result in violent oscillations. Reversing the lines at a hydroboost, well I have not done that yet. But that will not make oscillations in the steering box, nor turn by itself.

Back tot he OP, you have an internal leak applying pressure to the steering assist without an input from the steering wheel. That is 100% internal to the steering box and nothing else.

 

[nvrstuk]

Correct, just trying to let OP (& others) be aware of having HB brakes & them not working "like one would expect" & then find out that the hose diagram posted & used on CB is incorrect- thought I was clear when I said "the lines to the HB", not the return line.

 

[DirtDonk]

I think he was referring to my earlier comment about reversing the lines.
Possibly…

 

[romerdoug]

I appreciate the responses. I’m hoping to get to it tomorrow and will hopefully know more then.

 

[romerdoug]

I appreciate all the replies guys. I took the steering box off and disassembled it. An o-ring was cut, I replaced it and checked everything else. Put everything back together, got it mounted and bled and it works perfectly. Again, really appreciate all the help.

 

[ntsqd]

What are the usual symptoms when the pressure and return lines are reversed? Is it something different, like oscillating back-and-forth, or jumping in whichever direction you’re turning? Or is there a possibility that it can do this as well?
Just curious. Asking for a friend, of course!

Reversing the lines at the steering box will result in violent oscillations. Reversing the lines at a hydroboost, well I have not done that yet. But that will not make oscillations in the steering box, nor turn by itself.

Back tot he OP, you have an internal leak applying pressure to the steering assist without an input from the steering wheel. That is 100% internal to the steering box and nothing else.

The YJ from Hell got them installed in reverse and it went to full lock RH faster than I could pull my arm out of the way. Ended up breaking the turn signal stalk off the column with my wrist because it moved so fast. The lesson learned: Even though it is up on the lift, when first starting something do not reach thru the steering wheel to start it!