Power Steering System

[1bad68cat]

Hi Pro-Touring Group,

Not sure if this is the correct forum, if not, Admins please move. I am losing my power steering after the truck gets up to temperature or after a short drive. It only comes back after the truck has cooled down. The power steering fluid is hot which I think is the issue. A little about the truck. I have a 66 C10 with an LY6/6L90 swap. Used the donor truck's front drive accessories. I am also using an Astro Van hydroboost and a CPP steering box. I've replaced the power steering pump, the power steering lines, and the hydroboost, but see no improvement. I've also installed a 4th gen camaro power steering cooler. I'm hesitant to change the steering box only to find out that didn't work either. Any suggestions on what else I can check? If it's suggested to change the box, is there something I can check in the box that can be remedied before ultimately going that route (some kind of valve for instance)? FYI, the power steering pump has the dual return for hydroboost as the truck the engine came from had hydroboost. Thanks in advance.

[dhutton]

Might be useful if you posted an accurate diagram of how it is all plumbed.

Don

[1bad68cat]

Might be useful if you posted an accurate diagram of how it is all plumbed.

Don

Here you go Don. I hope it comes through correctly.

181065

[dhutton]

Is your pump pressure too high?

Don

[dhutton]

What kind of hose did you use on the return line to the pump? Is it vacuum rated hose? It will collapse if it is not. Especially at high temperatures.

What Size is the hose?

Don

[1bad68cat]

What kind of hose did you use on the return line to the pump? Is it vacuum rated hose? It will collapse if it is not. Especially at high temperatures.

What Size is the hose?

Don

I used bulk length 3/8" power steering return hose from the parts store, but I'll double check.

[dontlifttoshift]

What is cooled down? Do you have to drive it for PS to go away or does it happen in the driveway after idling?

What are PS pressures cold? Hot?

If you bypass the hydrboost does the problem remain?

Is there a mechanical bind somewhere in the linkage or steering column that only appears after driving a bit?

[dhutton]

I used bulk length 3/8" power steering return hose from the parts store, but I'll double check.
That hose should be much larger than that. Typically 5/8, AN10, if my memory serves me.

I’m referring to the yellow line in your pic.

Edit: AN10 on this reservoir

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/KRC-Power-Steering-91500000-Economy-Power-Steering-Round-Tank,4812.html?sku=46691500&utm_medium=CSEGoogle&utm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=CjwKCAiA17P9BRB2EiwAMvwNyE3lUDL4NGNNfr8WAd2K fHWV9NJTaixQaUyOiYvt361E3LPP0u4HFBoCpZkQAvD_BwE

3/8 power steering hose is pressure rated but it needs to be vacuum rated hose.

Don

[dhutton]

Reading it again it sounds like maybe you are not using a remote reservoir like shown in your pic. Is that the case?

Don

[1bad68cat]

What is cooled down? Do you have to drive it for PS to go away or does it happen in the driveway after idling?

What are PS pressures cold? Hot?

If you bypass the hydrboost does the problem remain?

Is there a mechanical bind somewhere in the linkage or steering column that only appears after driving a bit?

The power steering goes away after a drive. For example, when I drive home from work, by the time I get home and try to parallel park, there is no power assist. I even try increasing the idle to see if that will help, but nothing. Brakes still work great. If the truck sits for 30 minutes after that and I go out for a drive, the power steering is back until I get to my destination and I run into the same problem again. As for the pressures, I don't have a way to measure it. I have not tried bypassing the hydroboost, but I am not sure I want to try it since it will affect my brakes. I'll double check the steering, but IIRC it was smooth with no binding.


That hose should be much larger than that. Typically 5/8, AN10, if my memory serves me.

I’m referring to the yellow line in your pic.

Edit: AN10 on this reservoir

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/KRC-Power-Steering-91500000-Economy-Power-Steering-Round-Tank,4812.html?sku=46691500&utm_medium=CSEGoogle&utm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=CjwKCAiA17P9BRB2EiwAMvwNyE3lUDL4NGNNfr8WAd2K fHWV9NJTaixQaUyOiYvt361E3LPP0u4HFBoCpZkQAvD_BwE

3/8 power steering hose is pressure rated but it needs to be vacuum rated hose.

Reading it again it sounds like maybe you are not using a remote reservoir like shown in your pic. Is that the case?

Don

Don, correct. I am using what I believe is a saginaw pump with integrated reservoir with 2 return ports. The pic I used was just for reference.

[dhutton]

Don, correct. I am using what I believe is a saginaw pump with integrated reservoir with 2 return ports. The pic I used was just for reference.

Ok in that case I got nothin... Sorry.

Don

[Falcon64]

Are the lines in/out of the cooler both at the bottom causing an airlock in the cooler?
Ideally the lines should be on the top or side of the cooler.....if they're on the side, inlet to cooler should be below outlet.

[Falcon64]

Check this from Lateral-G181084

[1bad68cat]

Are the lines in/out of the cooler both at the bottom causing an airlock in the cooler?
Ideally the lines should be on the top or side of the cooler.....if they're on the side, inlet to cooler should be below outlet.

The cooler lines are on the side. I should mention I recently added the cooler hoping it would help, but unfortunately it did not.

[dhutton]

What power steering fluid are you using? I’ve been using AC Delco on Carl’s recommendation and it seems to be very good. Takes high temperatures and resists foaming etc.

Don

[anguilla1980]

Are the lines in/out of the cooler both at the bottom causing an airlock in the cooler?
Ideally the lines should be on the top or side of the cooler.....if they're on the side, inlet to cooler should be below outlet.

Interesting suggestion. Mine are on the side, the IN is on the top ans the OUT is on the bottom. I figured once the system was purged and filled there would be no issue as I didn't think there would be drain-back.

This gives me something to think about and maybe changing, although I have no issues.