Power steering problem

Hello, I am writing on behalf of my son who has a 1998 4WD Limited. Problem is ,Prowere steering stared to make noises when turning ( typical squeaking noises related to PS) . Then it became hard to turn. He had a rebuilt R & P put in still no good. Put in another one and a pump. Still hard to turn, although it's not "screaming" any more. All these repairs were done by mechanic . Could it be the high pressure or return hoses? It seems the only parts in the system not replaced. I did read in one post about a screen in the reservoir that was clogged, not sure if that could be the culprit . Any help would be grateful. Jeff

 

So, since you had all that replaced, is the PS fluid foaming up in the reservoir?

I just replaced my rack and afterwards, my pump groaned and groaned and steering was hard in spots. The fluid was a bit foamy in the reservoir. It's just air in the system.

I just actuated the steering, lock to lock, and keep filling the PS pump reservoir. Had to do that several times. Eventually the level stopped dropping and the foaming went away.

Maybe the mechanic didn't do enough to get the air out of the system.

 

Thanks for the reply. After I made the post, I found out the steering is working fine, with the exception of when it is not in motion. I didn't understand what my son was telling me ( or not telling me)prior to the post. So it is just hard to turn standing still, once in motion everything seems to be fine. And he said at one time the fluid was foamy. Going to drive it to see if it works the air out. and will continue to check levels. Again, thank you for your time an information. jeff

 

I had the same problem with my fifth generation. Somewhere air is getting into your system.

It could be the reservoir, reservoir cap, houses, I don’t know. I would check everything.

 

Reservoir Cap won't be an issue. Those aren't air tight as it is. Anything else that is leaking and causing the pump to suck air could be an issue.

After I replaced my rack, it was really hard to turn at a stand still. I just drove it a bit and it got better. KEEP FILLING THE RESERVOIR. It's just air in the system.

 

Thanks for the reply. Thats what he will do. On a side bar, pertaining to the same thing, his mechanic told him that if it continued, he could take a spring out of the R&P. In the 60's and early 70's I rebuilt lots of cars, but never rebuilt a R&P, so Im not sure about that. Thanks again. jeff

 

No don't take the spring out.

 

air in the system