power steering issues at low RPM

[Alan C]

I need help with a bizarre problem.

 

I had the power steering lines in my '89 Pioneer replaced today owing to a leak. My mechanic could not get Mopar parts so we had to go with aftermarket. After the repair, I have a weird problem. At low RPMs, under 1000, the power steering no longer gives an assist. If I make a low-speed maneuver  like pulling into a parking space, the steering takes considerable effort as it the power steering was not providing any assist. It feels exactly like the engine has stalled in that I normally notice the lack of power steering first when that happens, but the engine hasn't stalled, it is just idling. I have not driven it very far, but it is difficult as I am constantly reacting as if the engine stalled and it is hard to steer.

 

Has anyone seen anything like this? My mechanic said that he could replace the pump and/or steering box, but those were fine before the line replacement so that is out. My guess is that the aftermarket lines are the wrong diameter so that there is too much or too little flow resulting in the wrong pressure. Any recommendations for good aftermarket lines? Re-replacing them is my best guess as a start. Ugh.

 

Thanks for any advice!

 

Alan

 

 

[MiNi Beast]

Possibly still have air in the loop....

[Alan C]

I think you got it! I have never heard of air being an issue in power steering lines,  but the more I drive it, the better it seems to get. So that would make sense.

 

Thanks! I learned something.

Alan

[Minuit]

If you're curious, the proper procedure to bleed the air out of the lines is to jack the front of the truck up (so there's no weight on the front wheels) and turn the wheel back and forth over and over again. I find that unhooking the return hose for just a second helps.

 

The system should self bleed with use. Just check the fluid every so often, as you'll probably need to add some once the air is gone from the system. Just don't fill it up to the top - the cap is also a dipstick. Ask me how I know.

 

The mechanic should have made sure it was ok before handing it back to you, but in his defense it is a huge pain in the @$$ to completely bleed a power steering system, especially after unhooking everything, and it will eventually bleed itself after driving for a while as long as the system doesn't run low again.

[Alan C]

Thanks, Minuit!

 

Again, I am learning things. It is so much better that I imagine all I need to do is check the fluid. But if not, I know what to do.

 

FWIW my mechanic is good and the reason I go to him is his gentle hand. Some who have worked on my Jeep have been rudely destructive. So I'll forgive this one!

 

Thanks!

 

[MiNi Beast]

Glad its gots power..