Stiff power steer when in first gear!

[editgod@hotmail]

Hey Guys,

So I cant remember when I first got this problem but I have just started driving my '73 again after the winter Cali break and wanted to get to the bottom of an old problem.

Basically when I floor the gas from stopped or when my tranny is using 1st gear my steering goes all stiff and impossible to steer. If I am going about 30/40 mph and then floor the gas my steering still works fine so I dont think its rpm related but then I could be wrong as i am not mechanically inclined... but it only does it when I floor the gas, if I drive like miss daisy I have no issues.

I have attached some photos below incase it helps, its a 73 with I think a WH conversion.

Thanks.


Guy

 

[broncnaz]

My guess would be that either the pressure relief valve in the pump is opening at the higher RPM's or the seals in the control section of the steering box when a lot of pressure is applied.

 

[73stallion]

first things first guy, have you checked the belt tension?

 

[Viperwolf1]

first things first guy, have you checked the belt tension?

X2. The engine might be out-accelerating the pump.

 

[zeeman1]

you just throw a locker in the front recently?

 

[Broncobowsher]

Engine (chassis) torque causing something to bind up? Linkage, steering shaft?
Doubt it, but something to look at.

 

[editgod@hotmail]

Hey Guys,
So I did have a nut lose on a hose going into the back of my steering box but no signs of any fluid coming out.
Having driven it for a week it no longer stiffs up completely but is still harder to turn if I floor the accelerator from stopped. I forget is this normal for everybody else too ?

G

 

[bajabronc]

It is not normal, I have never had that prob with any of the power steering setups I have had on both of my rigs - stock pump, saganaw pump, stock box, and F150 box.

 

[greatguy57078]

first things first guy, have you checked the belt tension?

Check the pulley also. It might be that it needs to be roughed up with some sand paper/emory cloth to get the belt to "stick" better down in the groove. I have had this problem with my alternator belt before.

 

[editgod@hotmail]

My guess would be that either the pressure relief valve in the pump is opening at the higher RPM's or the seals in the control section of the steering box when a lot of pressure is applied.

Broncnaz Im still having issues. How much grief is it to change these seals you talk about about above, does it involve cracking open the whole box ?

It looks like a TBP's box, they dont have the seals separately but did say its a Saginaw.

Is there anything else it could be, steering column bearings or something ????

thanks.


Guy

 

[broncnaz]

Probably a delphi box I guess used to be part of saginaw or was saginaw. rebuild kits should be availible just not sure what you'd have to ask for. But really if its only having issues when your mashing the throttle I would consider the seals in the box as a last resort. As you do have to pretty much terar down the whole box to replace every seal.
I would still look at it being RPM related as when in first gear you can quickly hit 4000 rpm. Going from 30/40 miles an hour(2nd or 3rd) to WOT is not quite as bad as the steering pump is already spinning and probably not over building pressure due to the slower rise of pump rpm's. You could try loosening the PS belt so it slips just a little when the throttle is qiuckly opened that may tell you for sure if its a pressure issue.

 

[Bundy]

i have the same issue, i am with Ben and Viperwolf on the belt tension.

in my year of bronco trouble shooting i have learned to always go with the easiest fix first.

 

[bronko69er]

A local buddy had the same issue and it ended up that the upper colum bushing was worn and when the body flexed it pulled the grant steering wheel adapter cover into the column. He also didn't have a collapsable lower steering shaft.

 

[DirtDonk]

Got pics of the linkage down under too Guy? And the column shaft setup too, while you're at it.

Paul

 

[editgod@hotmail]

Hey guys
So I tried loosening the belt yesterday but still had the same problem when I took it out today. However one thing i did notice today was then when the transmission is in park and the revs are at 3/4000 it turns perfectly and this sounds like a similar issue to what Bronko69er has heard of and why it only does it when Im driving.

The other day i was driving up a steep hill and the steering was once again stiff, when i tried to steer it it started to squeak which puzzled me why I was hearing a loud squeak in the cab when we all think the problem is the power steer box, surely its too far away from me in the cab to make it feel like the squeak is close by, If it was the upper column bushing thats gone bad then it might be the answer.

I just rushed outside and took some pics. If you look closely at 'Upper 2 and 5' the bearings are clearly visible, It would look like that they are gone and could be the root of my problems ? Also do i need to get an collapsable shaft ?

Thoughts.

Guy

 

[broncnaz]

Looks like you've found the issue shouldnt be able to see the bearings. You dont need a collaspeable shaft. But they do make things easier. I wouldnt bother unless you are going to install a body lift.

 

[editgod@hotmail]

Which one is it on this diag ?

 

[Viperwolf1]

Which one is it on this diag ?

The one at the bottom.

 

[broncnaz]

Theres 2 bearings one near the bottom of the column like in your picture and another one under the steering wheel.
If the bottom one is shot more than likely the top is shot as well.

 

[bronko69er]

After seeing pics of you steering shaft, and lack of a collapsable lower shaft, I'm almost certain that accelleration induced body flex is causing bind in the shaft/column.