08-17-2020, 07:36 AM
UPDATE 08/16/2020
Thanks for bearing with me, it's been a long road to get here.
I did find a slightly binding left front strut and a leaking left rear shock to I bought a set of struts & shocks.
The left outer CV boot was torn and I bought a new set of boots.
Upon disassembly I discovered the left front wheel bearing was rough and required replacement.
I installed new left wheel bearings & race, rebuilt the left half shaft with new boots, inspected and repacked the right wheel bearings.
I completed assembly today and started the engine. Rotated the steering wheel with the wheels off the ground and all was smooth. Placed the wheels on the ground and still have the balking - hesitation in the steering. I noticed the engine speed did not seem to increase with the added fluid pressure of turning the steering wheel, but instead decreased. I held the rpm around 1100 and turned the steering wheel and it turned smoothly without balking or hesitation.
I have no issue with the parts or work to service the wheel bearings and struts, it needed to be done.
I suspected the steering pump pressure switch to be faulty.
The wire to the pump switch has 12.5 VDC, engine running.
The switch on the pump is open (has infinite resistance) to ground at idle and 3 ohms when the wheel is turned, the switch appears to function.
The engine idle speed is 775 RPM.
With the steering pressure switch wire grounded the RPM increases to 825.
Higher, but still not enough RPM to raise the pump pressure enough to provide smooth steering.
RPM spec for the auto trans is 800 and not adjustable.
At this point I am suspecting low power steering pressure, possibly caused by mileage (230K), worn valving, worn pump veins, worn pump valve spring tension. The pump makes no noise running or under pressure.
The power steering fluid does smell a bit burned and is dark. In a 1/2" diameter plastic syringe held up to the sun, the fluid is deep red.
I guess I should try a power steering fluid change. Spec is Dextron III.
I somehow don't think it will make a difference.
Thanks for bearing with me, it's been a long road to get here.
I did find a slightly binding left front strut and a leaking left rear shock to I bought a set of struts & shocks.
The left outer CV boot was torn and I bought a new set of boots.
Upon disassembly I discovered the left front wheel bearing was rough and required replacement.
I installed new left wheel bearings & race, rebuilt the left half shaft with new boots, inspected and repacked the right wheel bearings.
I completed assembly today and started the engine. Rotated the steering wheel with the wheels off the ground and all was smooth. Placed the wheels on the ground and still have the balking - hesitation in the steering. I noticed the engine speed did not seem to increase with the added fluid pressure of turning the steering wheel, but instead decreased. I held the rpm around 1100 and turned the steering wheel and it turned smoothly without balking or hesitation.
I have no issue with the parts or work to service the wheel bearings and struts, it needed to be done.
I suspected the steering pump pressure switch to be faulty.
The wire to the pump switch has 12.5 VDC, engine running.
The switch on the pump is open (has infinite resistance) to ground at idle and 3 ohms when the wheel is turned, the switch appears to function.
The engine idle speed is 775 RPM.
With the steering pressure switch wire grounded the RPM increases to 825.
Higher, but still not enough RPM to raise the pump pressure enough to provide smooth steering.
RPM spec for the auto trans is 800 and not adjustable.
At this point I am suspecting low power steering pressure, possibly caused by mileage (230K), worn valving, worn pump veins, worn pump valve spring tension. The pump makes no noise running or under pressure.
The power steering fluid does smell a bit burned and is dark. In a 1/2" diameter plastic syringe held up to the sun, the fluid is deep red.
I guess I should try a power steering fluid change. Spec is Dextron III.
I somehow don't think it will make a difference.