power steering Failed

[obxairman]

My power steering stopped working . Found the system nearly empty on fluid. Added fluid and still no power steering. I did find the leak at a fitting on my steering box so i will need to replace this line. What must i do to restore my steering until I replace the line ?

 

[patracy]

What vehicle?

 

[Scar59]

First, start by replacing the defective line. Then service the p/s pump. Take the truck for a slow drive the work out the air in the system. Do not over service the pump resivor.

 

[obxairman]

1990 Harsco M923A2 . I did take it for a drive after I refilled it and no better. I may have used the wrong fluid. I bought power steering fluid. I wonder if this to thin . I am learning to read these technical manuals here so I am gonna check that next. The leak is a slow drip and I will fix it but id like to be sure there are no other issues before I take the hose off and replace it

 

[Scar59]

Power steering fluid will work, the stock fluid is 10 wt hyd fluid or MIL 5606 red hyd fluid. Ensure the belt is not slipping.
P/S pumps are pretty tough on these trucks.

 

[R Racing]

I have used type F atf in the past. Is the pump making noise at all?

 

[dikwks]

You might need to pull a vacuum on the system to get all of the air out of it. Couldn't get mine to work worth spit. Was humming and jerky in the assist. Hooked a vacuum pump up to it and Voila! All is well. Did take another quart of fluid though.

 

[gimpyrobb]

If the system was dry, you should jack up the front axle and cycle the steering a few times, then check to see if you need to add more fluid.

 

[Scrounger]

A little more on what gimpyrobb has posted on a system that may have air in it. One must lift the front axle so that the front tires are free to move. With the engine running turn the steering wheel fully to one side, it has to be at the end of its travel. Hold it there for a few seconds then turn the wheel fully to the other side and repeat. The only way to bleed the air out is at the end of the travel. It may take several cycles back and forth to clear the lines of air. Afterwards check the fluid level in the pump and it should be fine.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Been a while since I've seen you post Scrounger. Good to see you around again. Happy new year!

 

[Scrounger]

And a happy New Year to you. I’ve been around, just haven’t been posting much. I think you already know who I work for and it gets a “little” busy this time of year. I went through the logs and did the math and now have over 3 million miles as of the middle of last month.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Nice, safe travels!