olharleyman

OK I know this sounds stupid BUT can a power steering box lock up at less then full ? my truck(93 4runner s.a.s.) has lost half it's turning radius, power steering fluid is full , steering dampener is fine plenty of rod movement left to right , checked the u joint in the steering rod it seems fine as well , and it seems to have a lot of play when driving straight down to road sometimes it even seems like if you man handle it it snaps and gives a full turns puzzled please any ideas

abecedarian

You've checked the preload on the steering box?

olharleyman

not sure were you are talking about on the box info please

abecedarian

It was a stab in the dark, something I came across a while back working on tractor/trailer rigs. Incorrect preload would cause a "numb" feeling in the steering where the steering wheel could be rocked back and forth somewhat without the vehicle changing direction, and under some conditions the excess free play would cause the box to lock up and not turn any farther.

I suppose it could also be the valve in the steering box not responding to pressure and which direction you're turning the steering properly. You may need to flush the system.

Can you muscle it full lock-to-lock with the engine off?

olharleyman

Can you muscle it full lock-to-lock with the engine off?

Sometimes yes , most of the time no ,when running most of the time it will steer as it should but if moving slow or stopped it will go full lock then stop and get 1/4 turning then for no reason at all it will turn like it just came from the factory some times I have to make a 3 point turn just to turn at a stop light or stop sign

abecedarian

Sounds like a bad steering box to me. But I wouldn't necessarily replace it.
It is the low point of the system and contaminants will tend to settle there.
Maybe it needs disconnected and flushed well.

olharleyman

So maybe I will try that it just seems odd that it started out of no where guess ill pull the hoses and flush it see what it does thanks for the idea