CK5
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So then I dropped the drag link off the steering arm to test the steering box independently. It cycles lock to lock without any effort.
Just drove it around for a few minutes and it drove fine.
So is the steering box binding under load? I don’t think the axle is the cause but I’m going to put it on jacks now to double check.
Just drove it around for a few minutes and it drove fine.
So is the steering box binding under load? I don’t think the axle is the cause but I’m going to put it on jacks now to double check.
Someone already suggested that the king pins were too tight I know I had mine too tight once it wouldn't return to center, if you have been running it tight for a while maybe you created a ridge or something that is stopping it now
Not binding, bypassing
While you typed this I dropped my drag link, jacked the front end up so the tires are off the ground and I can steer it lock to lock if I bear hug a 40. I don’t think it’s the axle binding. I’ve also had three sets of king pin bushings (I have Reid’s now) on this axle while I’ve had steering issues.
ah yes...gotcha
Well with no weight on it it's not the same so if you can't find a problem elsewhere that is a place to look
I really don’t think it’s axle related since it’s driving fine now. I pulled the tie rod and double checked each king pin preload (WFO arms) and they were within spec. Also did an alignment since I bent the tie rod on the last snow run. It’s back on the ground and it steers lock to lock fine.
Something is still wrong, I just don’t know what.
I just wonder if there's something in the box that gives up with resistance or if it's the pump giving up. I don't know well enough how the steering box functions. If there's a valve that moves with change of direction, it sounds like that hangs up.
I don’t know much about them either.....but those theories make sense.
When I was doing the alignment I noticed the LF shim was hanging out a little more than it should. A tape measure was showing the axle was 1.75” back so I tore it down and found a sheered leaf spring center pin. I had a couple spares in my truck tool box so I swapped that out.
So going back over this, the main problem is that it has sluggish response, correct?
I saw that you have a box from Redneck Ram, but I saw a similar problem with one from PSC. We tried a smaller pulley from PSC and it didn't cure it, just seemed to make the oil hotter, since the system didn't have a cooler. It melted the PSC sticker on their reservoir.
Anyway, I wouldn't feel guaranteed that a PSC box would cure this, but I don't know why some combinations work so well, while others have problems.
Could it be that you have a couple of things that aren't doing well enough for your application?
@Bent77 , could the spring in the pump relief valve be just low enough that it won't make enough pressure when needed, and maybe there is also something not 100% in the valve section of the steering box? Could these 2 problems stack up when the cylinder is in the system?
I saw that you have a box from Redneck Ram, but I saw a similar problem with one from PSC. We tried a smaller pulley from PSC and it didn't cure it, just seemed to make the oil hotter, since the system didn't have a cooler. It melted the PSC sticker on their reservoir.
Anyway, I wouldn't feel guaranteed that a PSC box would cure this, but I don't know why some combinations work so well, while others have problems.
Could it be that you have a couple of things that aren't doing well enough for your application?
@Bent77 , could the spring in the pump relief valve be just low enough that it won't make enough pressure when needed, and maybe there is also something not 100% in the valve section of the steering box? Could these 2 problems stack up when the cylinder is in the system?
I was curious about that, cuz @skunked said it worked with the cylinder out of the system
Only way to know is redo everything he just undid. Curious what the line pressure is
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The most recent issue (before I tore into it yesterday) was a generally slow responding and weak system. However at times the wheel would fight me if I was doing a quick left and then a right turn, the right turn would be damn near impossible. With the ram off those symptoms are gone but it’s your typical weaker system without assist obviously.
Based on what I understand and the fact that the steering works without the ram, I can see how a weak pump could be the culprit.
I can put the ram back on pretty easily. If it’s still an issue after that I have a new pump on the bench. Beyond that I don’t know what else to do besides the steering box.
It's frustrating as shit isn't it
That's exactly how it works, the valve is supposed to switch sides to help the steering and if it is stuck it could not switch but it is malfunctioning which I don't know how it does it could be flipping the other way before the change of direction and fighting the steering.
I suppose a new box should not have that problem
So the system is a recirculating ball system where there are balls running on a spiral and I know there are 2 sizes of balls.
I wonder if someone put them in the wrong order or in no order, that could cause them to bind from time to time.
I've heard of this happening, but would seem like it was correct prior to the pump failure.So the system is a recirculating ball system where there are balls running on a spiral and I know there are 2 sizes of balls.
I wonder if someone put them in the wrong order or in no order, that could cause them to bind from time to time.
If the box is suffering an issue now, it would suggest it maybe swallowed some trash upon the pump failure.
Am I right in that thinking?
That was my first thought but then he mentioned he had been feeling the steering wasn't right from the beginning, that is why I am saying to look at every possible problem.
Yeah that all sounds feasible. I would put a new box on with the new pump and get all the fluid out including what's in the ram.
Only thing you could consider instead of a new steering box is to tear down the current box and clean it all out thoroughly.
Only thing you could consider instead of a new steering box is to tear down the current box and clean it all out thoroughly.
Definite need there. I almost sacrificed and old lawn mower engine as a test plant for pump/box testing
I was nosy about the cylinder being removed now. @skunked is probably getting tired of removing and reinserting parts for testing purposes.
I feel a "all my parts are bad" moment coming...
