What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

full hydraulic steering problems, need ideas to try

four_by_ken

four_by_ken

1/2 ton status
Joined
Jun 9, 2001
Posts
3,796
Reaction score
2
Location
Allenton, MI
Right now I have just the stock pump and reservoir.

What have you done to add more fluid capacity?

*more added 3-2-12*
 
Last edited:
You need to run a seperate reservoir and a cooler. Should also need a high output pump depending on the ram size.

What ram and orbital valve are you using on it?
 
Single end ram I assume. With a good pump, it turns easy at idle. At least mine did.

I know PSC and HOWE both have nice remote reservoirs and coolers. Of course, new lines will need to be built.
 
I wonder if a remote mount reservoir would help. I could put it in line. Then I would only need a new hose to the reservoir.
Summit sells all different kinds.
 
Normal full hydro systems delete the reservoir on the pump. If you just add a remote res. it would need to be at the same level as the factory pump.
 
ktmoutfront said:
Normal full hydro systems delete the reservoir on the pump. If you just add a remote res. it would need to be at the same level as the factory pump.
Click to expand...



Why is that? I see coolers that go against that all the time. The pressure side should be able to go up higher.
 
A reservoir is vented. If you have the stock on on the bump, and run another one for more volume, the fluid will run from the high one to the low one. Unless you are sealing the top of the stock pump and running a hose from there to the other reservoir.
 
Had a chance to run it a little more today.


So, the Blazer steering needs some tweaking. Just not sure the problem yet.

Sometimes it will be real hard to steer. Sometimes a little throttle will help, other times now.

Kind of confusing.

I am aiming towards it needing more capacity in the reservoir. I am running the stock power steering pump and a 2x10 ram.
 
wayne said:
I'm going to say you need a pump and resi.
Click to expand...

I am thinking there isnt enough fluid capacity. But, I am really guessing as this is my first time messing with hydraulic steering.

Why do you say pump? When it is turning good... it is totally effortless.
 
When it is not steering easy, is there a sound coming from pump? Like it is cavatating from lack of fluid? It would also be lower in the reservoir turned to full lock on the non shaft side of the ram. Needs more volume on that side.
 
ktmoutfront said:
When it is not steering easy, is there a sound coming from pump? Like it is cavatating from lack of fluid? It would also be lower in the reservoir turned to full lock on the non shaft side of the ram. Needs more volume on that side.
Click to expand...

Always quiet, no noises at all.

I THINK it is more trouble turning one way than the other now that you mention it.
 
Works better when pushing on the ram side of the cylinder. Less volume needed. Higher volume pump or dual ram is how that gets fixed. Always works better on one side on a single ram.
 
A 2x10 cylinder is pretty darned small, so I wouldn't see why the stock pump couldn't move enough oil. You might have foaming issues, which could cause your problems, more fluid would help if thats the issue.

You most likely do need more fluid capacity anyway, northern tool & equipment carries a bunch of small hydraulic reservoirs that would be perfect. Once you have added some oil capacity, cooling shouldn't be an issue. The use of an actual cooler shouldn't be required, as the volume of fluid in the tank will likely wick away enough heat. It's not like you are tying to drive a hydraulic motor, steering systems generally don't generate much heat to begin with.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom