new pump, new box, but no power steering

[Pete M]

ZJ box for a better ratio, new pump installed, new belt is on tight, I don't get bubbles, but still I get no assistance when the truck is stopped. 

 

what am I missing?  I'm off to town to see if I can rent a vacuum bleeder.  it's got to be a bubble somewhere.

[89 MJ]

Does the power steering work while its moving? Maybe the new box is no good or the pump is bad out of the box. Wouldn't surprise me with quality control these days.

[watchamakalit]

I recently replaced pump, box and hoses on mine. I had no power steering at first. Had to jack the front end up to take the weight off and work the wheel a few times to get fluid worked. Took a bit to bleed all the air but turns like butter now.

[Pete M]

I've vacuum bled it, manually bled it, engine-on bled it.  no changes.  it's pumping fluid while turning the wheel with the engine off, and pumping fluid with the engine on (and no turning of the wheel).  I'm at a loss (and my arms are really tired). 

 

the pump was replaced because we were experiencing the same issue with the old one and I figured it was bad. 

[89 MJ]

Could one of the lines be collapsed or kinked internally? 

[Pete M]

dunno.   I fly out tomorrow for some doc appts in Michigan, and while away I'll be ordering new lines (they're the only old stuff left, so why not) and another new pump to have on hand.  when I return I'll be taking the whole thing apart for inspection.  maybe the pressure valve is faulty? 

[watchamakalit]

That was the reason I changed my hoses and pump. I only needed a steering gear but figured I'd never get the nasty old fluid flushed from the system so my best idea was all new system and fluid.

[Eagle_SX4]

Some times old hoses can swell on the inside completely blocking flow. 

 

I would put the front on jack-stands and turn the steering wheel lock to lock several times to hopefully get the system to self bleed.

[Pete M]

done that.  up on stands and 50 back and forths have changed nothing.

[watchamakalit]

I'd change the hoses next.

[GonzoTheGreat]

I put in a remanned pump from rock auto when I added power steering to my ‘89, using a good-used box and hoses.

 

I cycled steering a bunch before and after starting the engine, I had no bubbles in the reservoir. Power steering worked while the engine was revved, but did not work at idle. 

 

I got a warranty pump, followed the same procedure, and had no issues. It turned out to be a junk pump right out of the box. This was in January of this year. It was “Cardone” brand pump. Could be the same problem that you’re having.