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.

Hydro Assist problem and a couple questions

munepit

munepit

3/4 ton status
GMOTM Winner
Joined
May 6, 2009
Posts
5,974
Reaction score
186
Location
Bakersfield CA.
I am have some problems here. Brand new PSC ported box, new 8" Surplus center ram, cooler and resi.

Seems like there is no power. With my 38s it's hard to turn while driving. I've blead the snot out of it. The fluid still goes up and down in the resi. Fluid does not stay at the same level when turned all the way. Thought there was a bubble so I pulled the ram off and let it hang while cycling the steering.

Here is the part I don't get. Driver tire is off. Sitting on a stool in the wheel well with the engine running. I can turn the steering shaft with my hand, when I turn the shaft about a 1/2" the ram will go completely out. Or when I turn the shaft just a hair the other way, the shaft will go in all the way. Hard to explain.

I thought if I turn the steering shaft just a little the ram would move just a little, not all the way.

Any ideas?
Thanks.
 
As far as the rams reaction to small inputs , mine does the same.

How's your PS pump? Stock? New, old ?

My ps pump is still stock, it does decent with my wide 38's, much better then no hydro assist, I'm planning on either at least replacing it with a new one and molding it for more flow or maybe even going with a better aftermarket unit.
 
Hmm, I don't know then :dunno:

My pump is most likely the ~100k original and with just a top and front cap ported junk yard box and the same surplus center ram you have I can pretty easily turn swampers even when up against rocks or in ruts up to the hubs.
 
is the fluid frothy at all?


When the steering box has sufficent resistance it sends the pressure to the ram. So when you turn your box 1/2 turn or whatever the case that just so happens to put enough bind to send the power to the ram to extend or collapse it.
 
Forget the brand of cooler, but it's a brand new big one in front of the radiator. I will try and bypass it.

Chris, fluid it not frothy at all.


Thanks.
 
The cooler is on the return anyway, doesn't seem like that would affect performance unless it was clogged, not letting pressure escape the steering box.

Your sure there is enough flow into the pump from the rezzy right? Like maybe the pump is sucking the hose closed, starving the system? I'd hook everything back up but bypass the ram and see how she drives.
 
Well, I pulled the ram and plugged the holes in the box. I installed a new stabilizer I had and its a lot easier to steer. I don't know if the ram was fighting the something or what.
 
well, ok

I guess that narrows it down some. Could be the hydraulic hoses, improper box tapping, or ram. Ot to put it on jack stands, put the hoses back on, and have them empty into a super clean bucket. Have someone turn the wheel and see what kind of pressure is coming from the hoses.

Warning: I have no idea what I'm talking about here and don't know if my stupidity will harm any hardware. :haha::dunno:
 
Are you sure you have the hoses going to the correct ports on the steering box?
 
I am fairly certain with no resistance if you turn the shaft a small amount the small amount of pressure will cause the ram to run full travel. When its hooked back to the steering the resistance will be more than that small amount of pressure can move.

How high is your cooler mounted? It should be below the pump. I had air trapped in mine mounted behind the grille. I ended up putting it on the bottom of my core support behind my skid so its protected. I thought it might get hot there, but will the ext res and the extra capacity I havent noticed any issues.
 
Hmmmm

Do you still have your stock pump, Jeff? I would put it back on and see what happens. At least you can try to eliminate if the "brand new" west texas pump is ok. Even a weak pump will be "ok" without the ram, but if the modification was messed up somehow, you might not get the PSI needed for the extra load of that ram.

I have no idea, mainly just here to bump :)
 
I did that. I don't know if you read my " I flopped " thead, but I didnt which out the whole pump. Just the threaded adapter thingy that I modified. I put the stock one back in. I need to try and turn the burb aroun s it's facing the garage first. With the slope, I have it on jack stands on top of 4X4s. I will take off the tie rod and see if something is seized or not moving freely. If it seems ok, I'm going to through a new pump in there. See if that works. Damm, when I flopped it, I screwed up everything. I like how it looks though. I know. That's bad.
 
and you are getting good flow from the rezzy to the pump right? That is my biggest concern ATM, my hose has a tight turn on it, with heat I'm hoping it doesn't close itself.


Wish you were closer. I'd throw that ram on my truck and see what happens. I like your idea of pulling the draglink and tierod off, check both knuckle movement. But if there is something wrong, it would show up with non-hydro assit too.
 
How would I check flow to the pump? I took off the tie rod and draglink. The knuckles turn freely. When I turn the outward at the end of the movement of the knuckle it is springy. Dont know if thats the axle u joint or the kingpins. I dont think this is the problem.

I might just pull off the pump and warranty it. Got it from Autozone. Its a Atsco 7087. Im pretty sure its the right one though. Maybe its just a bad reman pump.
 
Dammit, I have a spare pump from my 94 that I know worked, with a ram though I don't know.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom