Hi guys, I had a steering box replaced on my Plymouth because of the slop in it. Picked it up at the garage and now it almost feels like manual steering. The guy that put it in say it will take a while to break it in .Does that sound right to all ?.P.S .I bought the steering box. Thanks Bruce.
Sounds about right Bruce, as long as the pump is not sqealing i would give it some time. good to see you on here Bruce.
Its full of fluid, right? If there was an air pocket, once the air got out of the system, the fluid level could be low. If you turn the wheel from lock to lock a few times, that should clear any trapped air. Sometimes rebuilt boxes are a bit stiff, usually they loosen up in a few days. Next up would be if the PS belt is tight enough. Some had a fine screen in one of the hoses to catch stuff. If the screen is plugged up, it won't feel like it has power steering. If it doesn't get better in a couple days, I'd be taking it back. Did he supply the box, or did you? Gene
Jnkyarddog, don't get me wrong.This fellow does all the work on my cars that I cant do any more.I just wanted a answer. Thanks Bruce.
Bruce, Not saying your guy did wrong. Just saying that the box should NOT turn so tight if it was built correctly. Being a respected mechanic he should know how to bleed the air it is not rocket science .. Another Bruce.
The new box might have a heavier valve. Most like this because it lets the steering wheel snap back to center after a turn and it over all feels better, if that's what happening here..
It’s easier with the front wheels off the ground but to bleed the air out you turn the wheel full lock until the pump goes into relief left and right a few times each way and your done, top up the fluid and carry on. a new box can feel tighter ( snicker ). But it should still fell like you have power steering. Check if he may have kinked a line ? Did he flush the fluid ? Not sure on dodge but newer gems and fords the pressure valve on the back of the pump can either be adjusted, different tension springs installed or simply shimmed to either get more or less pressure and change the power steering feel from less to more assist.
I’ve bought reman boxes a couple of times for 70’s and 80’s vehicles, never had to “break one in”. It would seem to me if it was tight, then began to loosen up , it might just keep getting looser.
VANDENPLAS, I did but haven't tried it out yet due to the snow and rain we had here this week. I am going to flush the system out today and will let you all what happens Thanks Bruce.
O.K. back off the steering box a little and flushed the whole system. Took her out for a ride and it does seem much better.Thanks to you all for your input.Bruce.
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