I'm at a loss for words. Two pumps, one box, and same problem still. Prolly bled it 100 times lock to lock. There is still my play too. I checked for worn tie rod ends/ball joints but they don't seem to move too much. Once again, in the air nothing binds. A baby could turn it in the air but once the tires are loaded, it's near impossible.

 

Is that two new pumps?

That is REALLY bizarre. What are you idling at?

 

Yes, and 600 rpms. On startup when rpms are higher than usual I can steer fine, same when I rev. My steering is so much more responsive now driving tho. Also even. Still has play tho.

 

I tried to screw in the return hose to where the pressure hose should go on the gearbox just to make sure they weren't somehow flipped. I found out though that there a different size top and it's impossible to screw the wrong one into the wrong Inlet.

Now the track bar hooks the axle to the frame and would not prevent anything in the steering correct? It doesn't look like it has any effect on the steering.

 

Track bar just locates the axle side to side, has zero influence on steering. (unless it's bad, then it does weird and strange things, but, does nothing to steering effort.)

1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Tire pressure. 2. Adjust tire pressure.
3. Steering components (ball joints/tie rod ends). 3. Lube, inspect and repair as
necessary.
4. Loose belt. 4. Adjust or replace.
5. Low pump pressure. 5. Pressure test and replace if
necessary.
6. Column shaft coupler binding. 6. Replace coupler.
7. Steering gear worn or out of adjustment. 7. Repair or replace gear

Ok, that copy/paste didn't format well, but, nothing much I can do about it..... In any event, that's what the service manual says about high steering effort, and the 'solutions'. (matching numbers.....)

The only two possibilities I see there is maybe the belt, or, low pump pressure. How IS your belt, AND your tensioner? (Sometimes they get used to being in one spot, and stay there....... might wanna pull the belt, and play with it, see how well it is working.) Other one is low pump pressure. Would need a gauge to test that though. I am unsure of just what kind of pressure it should be putting out at idle.....

But... If you read a bit further down the page...... Once the air is bled out, should be around 150 PSI, (80-100 initial pressure.)

The procedures for pressure testing, and what your results should be, are in the service manual. Think at this point, I would be lookin to see if you could rent the gauge/flow meter somewhere....... Other alternative would be pay someone to check it......

 

Ok, I'll look into those. There is absolute zero play from steering wheel to the output shaft of the gear box. I'll look into all of those. I'll keep you posted, and I have a technician at Chrysler in friends with that hs access to all the proper tooling.

 

Intermediate update: went to tires plus to get my alignment from my buddy so asked him to check it out. He found a very slight kink in the oil cooler fitting, but he said its moreso bent abit, nothing to really restrict flow. Something did find: the return hose was 5/16ths fuel line, which I replaced with spec 3/8s. No change at all in the system. Sprayed out all return hoses, didn't want to take off pressure hose seeing I didn't have proper wrench size at the time I did this, that one hasn't been sprayed out. With alignment and new gear box however, it's drives, and tracks amazing on the road. Still have the problem at idle. Hopefully taking to friend at Chrysler next Friday.

 

Well, even the pros don't know what's up with it... Took it to a reputable shop that fixed my friends power steering issue and they told me they have no idea and there's nothing they can do... I'm thinking about unhooking the return line and puttin a funnel into my resevoir and hold the line over the funnel and see how it flows going into it. Any thoughts? And where should I disconnect and what should I bypss this to test properly. Maybe sticking my toe mirrors on that come in next week will help...maybe...

 

Your idea there sounds reasonable. Just disconnect the return line at the reservoir, and put something over that line, so it doesn't spill out thru there. Use a wide opening funnel though, so you can get good flow back into the pump.....

 

This is getting pretty darn interesting. I thought for sure the shop was going to tell you what it was. Definitely keep us posted on what you find out next.