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Power steering clogged?


SVT_Proto
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Both the ps pump and the ps gear box were both leaking. It would get to the point that the system was basically dry. Over time this happened alot and i would keep refilling the system with atf fluid. one day (about 3 months ago) i started the car and got no power steering assist (more like HeMan steering). i went to put more fluid in the system and still got no Power Steering. At this point i felt i burnt out the pump running it dry and everything so i bought a rebuild kit and rebuilt it. Still no PS after this. Luckily i had a spare pump in the garage, so i rebuilt and tried that one with still no luck. After all of this i figured it must be the PS gear box and figured it was clogged or just broken. It needed replacement anyways since it did leak. I ordered a new one from K D M and just installed it the other day and still no power steering. here is my story. any ideas guys? Edited by SVT_Proto
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When you open the vent on top of the steering box are you getting a good pressurized fluid flow out of it? If so then the problem is in the steering box.

 

If not, then the problem is blockage in the HP supply line or the pump isn't pumping.

 

To see if the HP line is blocked disconnect the HP supply (outlet out of the PS pump) fitting and the supply line fitting at the steering box. Blow compressed air through the line with a rag on the outlet end and see what comes out. Do the same with the return line. Get any crap out of it?

 

In your OP you said that you ran the PS system dry many times until it gave up the ghost. You probably burnt up/melted the vanes in the PS pump cartridge (See FSM page 19-34). Did you replace the cartridge with a new one (MB 351275) or just replace the seal orings provided in the seal pkg MB35 0395? If you did not replace the cartridge assembly that could be the root cause of your problem - ya ain't pumping any ATF fluid. BTW - pay attention to how those "vanes" are positioned in the pump rotor. If they are not installed as shown on FSM page 19-34, the pump ain't gonna pump ATF. Ask me how I know. :unsure:

 

Another thing I would check is the PS pump flow control valve assembly. Is any debris in the valve cavity, or is the valve or spring "locked up"? Although I don't think that this is the problem seeing as tho you have installed 2 "rebuilt" PS pumps.

 

If the lines had crap in 'em and the PS pump is rebuilt correctly - then the problem could very possibly be that you pumped some crap into the new steering box and plugged an ATF fluid passage inside of it.

 

I may be totally off the wall, but this is the way I would approach correcting your problem if it occured on my car.

 

For What It's Worth.

 

KEN

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Lift the front off the ground and it will take 50 times moving the wheel back and forth to get the air out and it to start working again. At first there's so much air you'll have no assist at all. When most of the air is gone it will beging to growl when you try to turn the wheels.
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Lift the front off the ground and it will take 50 times moving the wheel back and forth to get the air out and it to start working again. At first there's so much air you'll have no assist at all. When most of the air is gone it will beging to growl when you try to turn the wheels.

 

I would jack the front end of your Starquest off the ground and disconnect the coil wire first so the engine doesn't start - keeps from spinning the PS pump fast (burning up the pump cartridge's spinning plastic vanes from friction heat) when you start rolling the engine/pump. Go to start on the ignition switch for only 10 - 15 seconds, so you don't screw up the starter and you are slowly rolling over the PS pump. After each time you go to OFF - refill the PS system reservior. - cuz it's ATF level will go down in level fast. Do this 3 or 4 times to fill the HP supply line and partially fill the steering box..

 

Then use the PS System venting procedure shown on FSM 19 - 11, while keeping an eye on the PS reservior ATF level.

 

For What It's Worth.

 

KEN

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