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Topic: Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why? (Read 1487 times) previous topic - next topic

Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?

The pump is brand new (yet the system still whines, even when properly filled and bled).  The rack is the same one that was on the car when I bought it back in 1999 (likely the original piece).  So, here's what happens:

When going into or through a corner, the power steering system will randomly lose a BUNCH of resistance at the wheel, causing the car to bite into the corner harder (but only for a second as I naturally make up for it).  What could cause this?  I'm guessing it's my rack and I'm sure I should inspect it all, but I figured I'm awake and I'm sure someone will answer!  :hick:
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats

Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?

Reply #1 –
Sorry wish i could help a hate probelms with the steering system in my old car i swapped out to TC wheels and the  plastic ring got stuck and shattered and i almost missed my turn lucky i was the 1st one out of the light almost went past the far lane and it did it a few more times after that but not as bad i hope you get it fixed and that its something minor.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]


http://www.cardomain.com/id/Carpimp1987
1987 T-Bird AEROBIRD-GT had many many mods but is now totaled and is the car that made me want to start customizing everything all over again.
1988 T-Bird 5.0 HO DD/Sleeper/next project car :birdsmily:
1988 Cougar XR7 5.0 HO Vortech Supercharged being bulit right now :cougarsmily:

Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?

Reply #2 –
Sounds like the same problem I had with my old 87 T-Bird. I replaced the rack & never had a problem after that. It always seemed to happen when I least expected it. I'm not sure if the rack being shot would make your pump whine though.

Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?

Reply #3 –
If your rack and pump aren't "matched", you can have problems.

If you have the Hi-Effort (15:1) rack, you need to make sure you have the matching pump. 

If you try and combine a Hi-Effort Rack with a "normal" one, you can have issues like you are describing.  (Not the whining, but the other)

I've had issues with parts places only listing one pump for both set-ups, which is not correct.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon-  '81 Granada GL 2dr

Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: booksix;225384
The pump is brand new (yet the system still whines, even when properly filled and bled).    :hick:


How do you bleed the power steering pump?
1987 Ford Thunderbird Base model 3.8l  Bone stock.  Trying to get it to perform the best it can.  Wanted:  Nice set of 4 bolt wheels.

Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?

Reply #5 –
I don't remeber exactly how i bled it but I researched it thoroughly and prnted the instructions before doing it (it nvolved havng the front end off the ground).  Also, I have a stock tc rack with an 89 5.0 mustang spec pump.  It seemed to cured my overboosted steering issues (5.0 with my original tc pump had my steering so easy  I could pretty thnk left and the car would swerve) but now I have this other issue..  I also noticed this morning that it always seems to be when the wheel hits about 45* to the right it hangs a bit and when I apply a touch more pressure it gives and I get the swerve.  Not sure about left turns....
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats

Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?

Reply #6 –
I had this problem too with several new pumps.  I changed the rack and it didnt fix my problem.  I ended up buying a pump for my old 79 cougar since all of the pumps they brought out didnt have a  reservoir.  Problem solved.  steering is very sensitive and smooth and doesnt hang up.

Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?

Reply #7 –
no reservoir?
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats

Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?

Reply #9 –
What's TC only?  My car is a TC.
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats

Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?

Reply #10 –
The '87-'88 TC pump uses a remote reservoir, mounts on fenderwell next to coil...

Maybe I'm lucky, but when I repl my pump, it's never whined once... I filled and then rotated it by hand, till there were no bubbles coming back  up the return line... Return on the pump was plugged and was dumping fluid into a pan, this also changes most of the fluid in the rack...
 

Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?

Reply #11 –
Oh, really?  I guess I thought I used the stock pump but I guess I got the mustang pump with the motor.  So, could the mismatch be the problem?
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats