replaced rack , now worse!! HELP!!!!

[rbjb99]

Ok, I had a problem with surging power steering, I came to the conclusion it was a worn out rack and pinion(with help from the board). I pulled out the rack and sure enough it looked thrashed.
I put in a reman rack today and it won't seem to bleed out all the bubbles aswell as when I put the front end on the ground it is like I have no power steering at all.
I flushed the pump like they say to, I even pulled the high pressure line off to see if the pump was working,it was, so was the return line.

Did I miss something??? or do these power steerings take a couple of days to purge the air from the system.
When the car is off the groung the steering feels like it should when on the ground, ???? Did I get a bad reman rack?? or did the pump just happen to crap itself at the same time???
Its got me beat!!!
Any help would be great

Thanks

Rod

 

[93EmeraldMTX]

rbjb99:
Ok, I had a problem with surging power steering, I came to the conclusion it was a worn out rack and pinion(with help from the board). I pulled out the rack and sure enough it looked thrashed.
I put in a reman rack today and it won't seem to bleed out all the bubbles aswell as when I put the front end on the ground it is like I have no power steering at all.
I flushed the pump like they say to, I even pulled the high pressure line off to see if the pump was working,it was, so was the return line.

Did I miss something??? or do these power steerings take a couple of days to purge the air from the system.
When the car is off the groung the steering feels like it should when on the ground, ???? Did I get a bad reman rack?? or did the pump just happen to crap itself at the same time???
Its got me beat!!!
Any help would be great

Thanks

Rod

so, all in all, you're rack isnt so great.


(sry, couldnt resist)

 

[jasonty]

Jack the car up to relieve any stress that the power steering system may incur. Turn the steering wheel lock to lock about 10 times. Check the fluid. If the fluid is airated (bubbly or foamy) let the vehicle run for about 15 minutes to purge the lines of any air. Repeat this until you get either functioning power steering, or no foam. If that doesn't work, check the tension of the p/s pump belt, also check to make sure that the lines on the rack are connected properly. (not saying you're a *******, but it does happen) Most cars have the lines bent so they can only go to one fitting on the rack, but I don't know about the SHO. There is also a valve in the steering system that may have gone bad. I forget the name of it, but I know we're always replacing it on Aerostar's in my shop. So if what I told you doesn't work, let me know and I'll do a bit of research on that valve. It's some sort of proportioning valve. I think it's inside the pump on the SHO's. Also make sure you're using the correct fluid in your steering. If it requires dexron II or III, then you have to use that, but I think Ford requires Mercon... Hope this helps bud... Good luck

 

[projectSHO89]

Provide relevent details:

VAPS or Non-VAPS?

What part number/brand of replacement rack did you use?

Did you install a filter?

What fluid did you use?

Have you verified correct placement of the pressure and return lines?

Did you install properly (or omit) the check valve in the pressure line inlet port?

Did you perform the purge per the instructions in the Helms?

If you still have air bubbles in the reservoir, the purge was not complete.

There is a great deal of tech info at www.cardone.com Sign up for the PRO-Tech section (it's free) to access all the articles and tech tips.

Steve