Ok, so I have an issue with my power steering. Its not all the time and it only happens when parking. The power steering will softly jerk a few times and then act like its totally out, making it really hard to turn the wheel at all. The system is full of fluid, with no leaks and it's only got 285 tires on it. Any one else had a problem like this? What did you end up finding was wrong with it???

 

Is your 4wd engaging?

 

I'd say your pump is weak and not keeping up at the low rpm's.

 

No, the 4wheel drive isnt engaging at all. It has a free spin hub kit. As far as the pump goes, I would totally be on board with that if it happened all the time, but its intermittent. Although the pump having a problem is about the only thing I have been able to come up with, too.

 

slipping belt? that would cause intermittent pump RPM. Just a thought.
Mine has sucked for 4 years, tried new pumps, gears...etc. I have given up until i can afford a redhead pump or a Hydro assist.

 

is your fluid frothy? could be a small air leak getting into the line and goofing up your oil?

 

I had issues in the cold with my pump being weird I switched to synthetic power steering fluid and it made a difference.


well the vacuum pump is gear driven and thats what attaches to the power steering pump so no belt slip. these have hydro boost on them runs the brakes and steering.

 

Is there a filter on that application? Overdue P/S filters have caused many goofy steering issues on semi trucks, similar to what you described.

 

you need miller tool 6815 to check the pump. it could also but the gear box internally bypassing but it sounds like a weak pump or your idle is very low?

 

I really hate to hijack a thread and drag it off topic, but consider this a bump.
Out of curiosity, what did that conversion cost you, and did you pick up any mpg?