Hi, I've lurked and searched on this forum many times but first time posting. I just bought a '91 pickup 4x4 with 22re. This is my 4th toy truck. Something is up with power steering. I've searched the forums but didn't find my exact problem. I've done a fair bit of shade tree mechanic work but never had to work on power steering before. Steering is hyper easy turning right but hard when turning left. I put front on stands: With engine not running, I can turn wheels turn freely right or left with no binding, just by grabbing the tires. If the engine is running, I can only do this to the right. I can steer to left with wheel, but its harder than with engine off. Not noticing any obvious fluid leaks. odometer about 225,000 Why or what is going on? Thanks.

 

The simpliest thing to try first is flushing the system, using the proper fluid. I believe it's Dextron(says on the reservoir cap)
If someone added the wrong fluid that could cause some issues.
Do you have a Factory Service Manual(FSM)?

 

Thanks. I did empty the the reservoir and added a few oz of trans-tune, ran it for about 20 minutes with no change. But I do have the '88 manual and I will try flushing the system next. I'm also still hoping someone might reply with experience of my same symptoms.

 

I've never heard of anything like this happening. I'm wondering if a seal inside the steering box could have failed. If it doesn't bind up at all with the engine off but it does in only one direction with it running, pump flow and pressure are the only thing that is affecting it.

If it were a mechanical problem inside the steering box binding it up, it would do it with the engine running or not.

I'm just guessing. The pump is putting out flow in one direction. The left/right happens at the box with input from the steering wheel and shaft. There are Teflon seal rings on the power piston (not sure about the term) But I wonder how it would behave with a blown seal on one side. I've never had one that was bad when I resealed my steering boxes.


**Maybe give PSC Steering a call.

 

I did find this, and it might answer the question regarding issues in turning resistance in only one direction. It’s not specific to any one model, the manual is designed to represent the overall design.
Removing and disassembly of the gear isn’t hard. But I’d recommend putting a large towel down first before pulling that worm gear out. A bunch of ball bearings will come out, and you do NOT want to lose them. I use magnets to keep stuff like that together once out.

 

Good info Jim. I'm glad you posted it. The only steering box I have been into is my early style IFS in my 86 and 88. I know the 91 is a little different so I don't know much about the internals.

 

This info is even older than our vehicles(though the photos used could have been from my gear box), but it does confirm that the steering gear does have some left/right fluid paths, unlike the pump. How much this applies to a 1991 I’m not sure, but at least may offer a direction.

in the next few days I’ll scan that manual and post in the sticky section. It has some great info and photos of the inspection and resealing

 

This is great info. Looks like the explanation is contained here. Thanks so much. From my other research on the forums I'm pretty sure the '91 uses the same gear box with the possible exception that the length going to the steering column is slightly different. I'll be studying this and figure out my next course of action.