Power steering help

Not help persey but guidance.

the vehicle: 1986 Chevrolet Suburban, 3/4ton, 6.2L Diesel, 2wd.

the problem: the power steering is just too "powery" its nice around town but at highway speeds its super touchy. I barely have to touch the steering wheel for the truck to turn. At times its a bit scary. Ive played with air pressures, i also installed a steering stabilizer all of this has gotten the thing about as stable as i can, looking for ideas for the next step.

options: a) can i change the pulley to a larger one (would that reduce the pressure?) b) change to a new pump? any ideas for one that would bolt right in or be easy to fab c) can i put a stiffer stabilizer in d) grow a pair and deal with it e) find a new truck ( anyone want a suburban rides great?)

thanks for the help! Wes

I am going to wait to see what people say regarding the power steering. My thought is that power steering has nothing to do with it. Have you had an alignment recently?

yeah truck got new tires and an alignment about a year ago, both made the truck much much better.

the reason i say its power steering is the fact there there is very very little effort needed to turn the steering wheel.

this truck has been in my family from day 1 of its life. its always been like this, it became mine a year ago so im just trying to get this thing figured out.

thanks!

That's interesting. For what it's worth, when I deleted the power steering from my Sentra... on the highway there was no difference at all in feel.

The power steering on that car was excellent so I doubt it was 'tired.'

This is why I say I doubt it is your power steering. But my experience with power steering is very very limited so I am excited to see what others say. I need to learn more about it myself!

hmm....

yeah right now at highway speeds im driving with 2 fingers and just barely have any pressure on the wheel

I typically drive on the highway with two fingers, but since I'm not there to feel it I really can't understand what it feels like. Sorry I can't be of any more help.

You likley have the older all steel pump right? If so in the out put line theres a relief valve that is set at the factory you have two options. 1) replace the valve with a lower output psi unit (see circle track parts places) but that will change the feel at low speeds. 2) install a by-pass with and adjustable flow valve that at high speed will open and flow back to tank.

or 3 change the pulleys but see #1.

If you have the plastic resivor tank your only left with 2 & 3

Sounds like a worn out steering box to me, and you end up chasing it.

Keep in mind because of the diesel your power brakes are also run off the powersteering pump.

That pretty much eliminates pump removal as an option, although you could bypass the steering box and leave the brake booster connected. Any change in power steering when you apply the brakes?

I would check to routing of the hoses, and see if the return line is pinched, and also if the powersteering cooler looks to be rough shape. You may some debris in the system causing pressures to be higher than spec.

If it's been that way since day one, then it may just take some getting used to. It's not going to have the feel of rack and pinion no matter what you do.

I would look for play in the pitman, idler arm,and center link for play. Any play in those will make for loose handling. At the same time you could try adjusting the steering box to take out slack, but that may take some trial and error to get the right level of slack.

Joe

jstand wrote: Keep in mind because of the diesel your power brakes are also run off the powersteering pump. Joe

Good point Joe!.

Found a nice valve you can plumb in heres the pdf on how. http://static.speedwaymotors.com/pdf/910-32923%20Heidts.pdf

and the link to the part.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Adjustable-Power-Steering-Valve,14895.html

Not cheap at $90 but one might find it in an industrail place cheaper. Don't forget to add cost of line adapters too.

44

to note this is not an issue about play in the system. everything is tight. the truck is responsive to any motion you make in the steering wheel, its just too responsive, and too light.

yes it is a steel housing on the pump. i didnt think about a pressure regulator hmm..

i keep forgetting that the brakes are powered by the pump. thanks for the reminder about that.

44 i will take a look at the valve.

thanks for the help guys! i knew this would be the place to turn!

far right is the beast in question

Do you know if the alignment guys gave you any toe-in? A little bit of toe in can help keep it going straight on the freeway and make it resist the initial turning a tiny bit. Just a random thought.

dculberson wrote: Do you know if the alignment guys gave you any toe-in? A little bit of toe in can help keep it going straight on the freeway and make it resist the initial turning a tiny bit. Just a random thought.

I was just going to suggest this as a quick fix.

Also some PS systems have an adjuster screw (relief vale screw), see if yours has one so you can turn the power down.

There is a relief valve/pressure regulator in those pumps. When mine failed I ended up taking out about three PS hoses because the pressure went so high. I just went without rather than replacing it, but a PS pump for a chevy whatever from a JY should be like 34 cents.

Is the caster adjustable ('scuse my Suburban ignorance)?

More caster = more steering effort.

I will look to see if i can find an adjustment screw on the pump.

I do not believe i can adjust caster on this beast but agreed more caster= more steering effort which is ultimately what im really looking for.

Caster should be adjustable on the A frame cross bars. There are aftermarket cross bars out there.