In my long list of repairs to this project truck I have dubbed 'The Onion' (because every time I peels something back, I cry a little). The power steering is the last piece keeping ,e off the road with it. I started into the system due to massive amounts of leaks from everywhere. There was no functional problems prior to me replacing parts.

99 Durango 5.9 4x4

1st step. I replaced the power steering pump. It was leaking massively from the front seal so I replaced it. System worked fine, still had a bunch of leaks.

2nd step. I replaced all of the lines. High pressure and 2 low pressure along with orings. Worked fine, still leaked like a siv from the steering gear itself.

3rd step. I replaced the steering gear itself. The only piece original is the cooler at this point in time. I pull it out, no leaks, yeah! It does drive a little funny, turned easier left than right, but it was working for about 6 miles then it stopped being power steering and was a huge fight even at speed. It would lighten up a little (very little) if I gave it some revs.

Before I replace the gear, is there anything else I should be looking at or try (different bleeding technique maybe?) or anyway to test either part so i don't return/swap the wrong one?

 

Maybe air in the system? It's possible you could have gotten a defective part too. I know what you mean about it being extremely heavy though, when it's cold out my power steering doesn't like to let you turn the wheel to the right until you gently hold the wheel towards the right for about 10 seconds, then it works fine from then on.

 

Try bleeding the system again, sometime aid doesn't always work it's way out.

 

+1

Fill the reservoir and (while running) turn the wheels from lock to lock several times, making sure that the resrvoir stays full. It helps to jack the front wheels off the ground.

It's possible that the pump went bad (it happens). Quick check is to crack open the RETURN line and see if oil flows when the truck is running. It should increase when the wheels are turned. DO NOT do this with the pressure line, not only will it cause a huge mess, it's dangerous to be hit with high pressure hydraulic fluids.

Bob

 

Bled and rebled, wheels up and down, motor running and not. Still harder to turn with motor on then off with wheel off the ground.

I disconnected the return line at the cooler and raised the end to the pump to stop leaking. It shot fluid it out like a bandit when cranked (I have the mess all over the garage to prove it). I am going to order up a new steering gear and see if that helps.

 

I still wouldn't rule out that you could have gotten a bad pump.

 

Agreed, so you've got the pressure, I would assume that steering gear is bad.

 

Well... A little update, new steering gear in, exact same problem. Pump is out and waiting for the replacement unit to be delivered to the parts store. I will let you know if that does it.

On the bright side, my intent with this Durango is to use it as a family camper/ light off roader. I am becoming very intiment with it and should side of the road repairs be needed, I will have most like have done the work before.

 

Final Update on this one. New pump in, worked right away. It was a Master Pro pump that was bad out of the box. Makes me a little nervous about all of the new ball joints and tie rod end I put in of the same brand as well.

 

Glad to hear you got it figured out