steering sector problems after hydro assist

[big dan]

I have a major steering problem after tapping my box for hydro assist so Im hoping some of the brilliant minds here can help me out.

Ive got a 2wd steering sector for crossover that worked flawlessly before I removed it from the truck. I drilled and tapped the box carefully following the directions from ramcharger central and put the box back on the truck.

I have to drive the truck about 3 miles to my dad's shop to weld on the ram mounts so I put pipe plugs on the holes that I tapped so I could drive it. I also installed a new unmodified stock pump with a cooler.

Started the truck up today for the first time since all this change and when you turn the wheel to the right it turns but is like there is no power steering and once you let go of the wheel it will turn all the way to the left under its own power.

I set the truck up on jackstands and worked with it for an hour trying to make sure it was bled out good but still has the same issue. It doesnt feel like there is a restriction turning right it just seems like there is no power steering and you can hold the wheel in one position but as soon as you let go it slowly turns back to the left. You can also turn left, of course, and it acts normal until you try to turn back right.

I dont quite understand the inner workings of the steering sector so hopefully someone can fill me in on what went wrong.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Sounds like your plugs are either blocking the passage way or the spool valve is bad (doubtful since you did not even have to mess around in that area).

EDIT: I think I know what's going on. The tapped hole that goes into the spool valve area i'll bet you've tapped that hole too deep and the plug is rubbing on the spool valve. Remove the input shaft/spool valve and take a look to make sure the plug isn't protruding into that cavity (it should only thread in so that the plug is no further than flush with the inside of the steering box casting.

 

[nvrenuf]

I'm not familiar with the article, where did you tap the box? On the side or top & end caps?

 

[big dan]

I tapped into the side.

Im pretty sure I checked before I put it back together and made sure the plug wasnt too deep but I will definately check again to be sure.

Thanks

 

[JanneB]

Crossed hoses

 

[big dan]

Crossed hoses

dont have the assist hooked up yet. just have the box tapped and pipe plugs in the holes. should work like regular power steering

 

[4X4HIGH]

I tapped into the side.

Im pretty sure I checked before I put it back together and made sure the plug wasnt too deep but I will definately check again to be sure.

Thanks

I had a friend have this happen to him and that's why i'm telling you to pull the input shaft and check that plug to make sure it isn't touching the spool valve. If you did tap the hole too deep you'll have to pull the input again when you do install the hydro to make sure the fitting you're going to use doesn't go in too deep and touch the spool valve either.

 

[big dan]

well it looks like 4x4high was right. tapped it in too deep and the plug was rubbing the spool valve. unfortunately it looks like it scared the spool valve pretty good and it doesnt seem to work at all now, cant steer either direction with the truck running.

gonna try again with a new gear box. may just order the end cap

anyway thanks for your help