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power steering not working at idle

power steering not working at idle
T

The Leakster

Jeeper
Posts
26
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0
Location
Cullman, Alabama
Vehicle(s)
1982 CJ7, 4.2 engine, T-4 tranny
The power steering on my CJ7 has stopped working when engine is at idle but does ok with higher RPM. I drained, flushed, installed an inline filter and bleed air out of system, but still same problem. What do you guys think? I'm thinking possibly the pump has gone bad.
 
There is a step to bleed it by turning the steering wheel all the way to the stops, did you do that?
 
Tell us about this filter?:confused:
Has this just started?
Have you done any recent mods to the steering/
LG
 
The Leakster said:
The power steering on my CJ7 has stopped working when engine is at idle but does ok with higher RPM. I drained, flushed, installed an inline filter and bleed air out of system, but still same problem. What do you guys think? I'm thinking possibly the pump has gone bad.
Click to expand...

Are you sure the belt is tight enough? Could it be slipping a bit? :chug:
 
Did the procedures to bleed it by turning will back and forth. Also, pulled return hose off, plugged the reservoir ran the engine with return line fluid going back in reservoir through filler cap. Belt is tight. This is stock steering system. The inline filter is something I picked up at NAPA, it's designed for steering pump applications ( thought this would be good insurance in case there was crud in the system). Replaced low pressure hose, purchased high pressure hose but it wouldn't thread onto the steering box, put old back on, which is in decent shape. This problem just started with no warning, this was one of the most easy vehicles to steer I've ever driven before this. Thanks
 
Pull that filter and see what's what.
BTW: Never have run a PS filter on my 30 yo CJ7 and still run'n the OEM pump.
What are you using for PS fluid? Not ATF I hope.
LG
 
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FYI, a while back, I purchased a rebuilt Cardone power steering box fron N.A.P.A. and with it came a power steering filter that was recommended to be used at the power steering pump return line. I did install it and everything seems to work just fine.
 
For fluid, I put in a bottle of power steering fluid and topped off with ATF (Mercron, I think). Used ATF in other vehicles for years. I mainly used it on this one for the cleaning properties of ATF. As far as the filter goes, yeah, might be a bit of overkill, but I thought if it does have crud in the system it'll be filtered out. This filter can be disassembled and cleaned, it has metal mesh screen. I guess I'll drive it till the weekend and if it doesn't cure itself, I'll put in a new pump. Thanks
 
The more you drive like that and having a restriction in the filter, if so, could overheat the pump.
 
I would NOT drive it till fixed.
Was any work done on the steering box??
Can someone post a picture of this filter?
LG
 
A quick question. Are you getting a good return of fluid to the pump when it's at idle? Why? If your power steering pump is situated like mine there is very little clearance between the metal part of the pressure line/fitting and the frame. Mine has a severe turn, almost a kink, bend just before the steering gear. If the line was hit or moved that turn might have kinked a little more restricting the available flow at idle. With the engine revved up there would be enough pressure to run the steering hydraulics.
 
Well, I didn't have to wait till the weekend to see if it will start working, it's working like a charm. Of coarse time will tell if it's really fixed. I will open the filter when I get a chance and see if it has crud in it. As far as the return side, before I flushed it, it was very weak. After I flushed it and was bleeding it, it had a lot more pressure, yet it was still not working at that time. Anyone interested in the filter it is NAPA part# 81-0589F. If it's still working by this weekend I guess I will be installing a body lift. Thanks for all your input.
 
NAPA sez that PN is no good.
Glad it's work'n!:chug:
LG
 
The Leakster said:
For fluid, I put in a bottle of power steering fluid and topped off with ATF (Mercron, I think). Used ATF in other vehicles for years. I mainly used it on this one for the cleaning properties of ATF. As far as the filter goes, yeah, might be a bit of overkill, but I thought if it does have crud in the system it'll be filtered out. This filter can be disassembled and cleaned, it has metal mesh screen. I guess I'll drive it till the weekend and if it doesn't cure itself, I'll put in a new pump. Thanks
Click to expand...


Try a flush and fill/bleed again, this time use only the recommended PS fluid. I know ATF is also hydraulic oil, but there are different properties that transmissions need as opposed to a steering system. ATF will have corrosion inhibitors and friction modifiers and can be different viscosity and that detail is not always evident on the packaging. Also check your lines for blockage, leaks or kinks. Not sure if this will fix your issue but it will be cheaper than a pump if it does.

A worn Saginaw box could also cause this. Or loose belt. Or maybe combination of both.

There is not a lot to the system, but the internal workings of each component can be difficult to troubleshoot. I would certainly be interested to know what you do to fix the issue. Good luck!!

Ed
 
If your pump is tired you want to increase the flow at idle you can enlarge the main fitting hole by drilling it out1/16" larger. The main fitting is located behind the high pressure line. This is typically for hydro asst steering, but if your pump isn't working as it should at idle this should help.
 
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The NAPA part# on my receipt is, 81-0589F Magflow PS Filter. On their website it's branded MagnaPure inline filter. I probably will flush it again and put all power steering fluid only. I had purchased a high pressure replacement hose for it and couldn't get it to thread onto the steering box. After what seemed like 2hours of grunting, swearing, and tool throwing. lol. I then looked at at the fitting end and noticed it flared out like a bell, closer look at the old one, it flared, but no where near as much. What was happening is, it wouldn't seat down far enough for the threads to grab. Put the old one back on in about one minute. Thanks to all.
 
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