Have an 89 toyota pickup that kept blowing power steering boxes when i would go wheeling. So i figured the pumps regulator was shot and thats what kept blowing them out. So i picked up a new pump and box and put them in a while back. Everything seem to be fine but then i noticed my steering getting stiffer. I kept driving it hoping it would get better but no luck. I then set my truck on stands and turned it lock to lock for over and hour trying to bleed the system and still nothing even noticeable happen besides maybe got stiffer. I did notice when i would rev it up while in neutral and parked the steering became easier so i figured maybe the belt was bad, replaced it and still nothing. Im stumped. I can only think it either needs to be bled more which i have tried before, or some how the pump doesn't produce enough pressure for the box? The only positive side to the situation is the fact i haven't blown a box, but lack of power steering while Turing 37s is a B***H! Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

What fluid are you using

 

O'Reillys? Is there a difference in the fluids?

 

he means are you using power steering fluid or atf fluid.

But I dont think that would make a difference in stiffness. Are you hearing a whining sound while steering (activating pump?)

 

Do you have a power steering cooler? I imagine the fluid getting pretty darn hot trying to turn 37's. At some point the fluid probably doesn't lubricate very well at extreme temps and would mess things up.

 

Huh, I never thought about a cooler for the power steering system... seems a bit overkill though.

 

37's are a bit overkill for a stock power steering system when playing around offroad

 

can't argue with that either. lol

 

You would probably be surprised how hot that power steering fluid gets when turning 37's.