installing power steering box

Seems its finally getting warm enough in the garage so that I can finally reinstall my rebuilt power steering box. A question related to best way to refill pump and box.

Should I remove coil wire and bump engine some multiple times, while checking fluid level in the pump and refill as necessary to keep it full ? Or, loosen pump belt and turn the pump by hand, if possible, to circulate fluid to the steering box?

Since I dont know how long the refiling process takes, I was just wondering if there were any issues with bumping the engine and having gas getting pushed into the carb and cylinders.

Also, from info read on here, I realize not to use any kind of prying against the power steering pump case that would dent it if belt needs to be retightened.

Click to expand...

Seems its finally getting warm enough in the garage so that I can finally reinstall my rebuilt power steering box. A question related to best way to refill pump and box.

Should I remove coil wire and bump engine some multiple times, while checking fluid level in the pump and refill as necessary to keep it full ? Or, loosen pump belt and turn the pump by hand, if possible, to circulate fluid to the steering box?

Since I dont know how long the refiling process takes, I was just wondering if there were any issues with bumping the engine and having gas getting pushed into the carb and cylinders.

Also, from info read on here, I realize not to use any kind of prying against the power steering pump case that would dent it if belt needs to be retightened.

Click to expand...

Steve, when I've reinstalled the steering box, all I do is add sufficient FORD type "F" ATF fluid to the pump then start the engine. Before I do that, I like to raise the front wheels just off the ground to make it easier to turn lock to lock with the help of an 'assistant' (wife). With the engine warmed up and running, I get my 'assistant' to turn LTL several times to bleed the air out of the box while adding fluid carefully. It is important not to go too fast as air needs to escape (you'll make one hell of a mess if you don't). I take my time, but I've had no issue doing it this way. After I get most of the air out, I'll test drive it around the block, left and right turns and that should get any remaining air out. Check the fluid level when hot.

If the belt is not yet installed, you can turn the pulley by hand and that will at least get it started. As for tightening the belt, yeah I'm guilty of doing the pry bar bit on the case, but fortunately, i got lucky, no damage. Oh, forgot, before installing the box, I add as much fluid as possible through the return port, just to make sure there is some lubrication on the spool valve. I just feel better knowing it's not too dry in there.

That's what I do, other's may have different methods.

EDIT: Damn, I've got to learn to type faster, lol.

Click to expand...

Seems its finally getting warm enough in the garage so that I can finally reinstall my rebuilt power steering box. A question related to best way to refill pump and box.

Should I remove coil wire and bump engine some multiple times, while checking fluid level in the pump and refill as necessary to keep it full ? Or, loosen pump belt and turn the pump by hand, if possible, to circulate fluid to the steering box?

Since I dont know how long the refiling process takes, I was just wondering if there were any issues with bumping the engine and having gas getting pushed into the carb and cylinders.

Also, from info read on here, I realize not to use any kind of prying against the power steering pump case that would dent it if belt needs to be retightened.

Click to expand...

Steve, when I've reinstalled the steering box, all I do is add sufficient FORD type "F" ATF fluid to the pump then start the engine. Before I do that, I like to raise the front wheels just off the ground to make it easier to turn lock to lock with the help of an 'assistant' (wife). With the engine warmed up and running, I get my 'assistant' to turn LTL several times to bleed the air out of the box while adding fluid carefully. It is important not to go too fast as air needs to escape (you'll make one hell of a mess if you don't). I take my time, but I've had no issue doing it this way. After I get most of the air out, I'll test drive it around the block, left and right turns and that should get any remaining air out. Check the fluid level when hot.

If the belt is not yet installed, you can turn the pulley by hand and that will at least get it started. As for tightening the belt, yeah I'm guilty of doing the pry bar bit on the case, but fortunately, i got lucky, no damage. Oh, forgot, before installing the box, I add as much fluid as possible through the return port, just to make sure there is some lubrication on the spool valve. I just feel better knowing it's not too dry in there.

That's what I do, other's may have different methods.

EDIT: Damn, I've got to learn to type faster, lol.

Click to expand...

Use power steering fluid, atf will foam up and sqeaul.

Click to expand...

Seems its finally getting warm enough in the garage so that I can finally reinstall my rebuilt power steering box. A question related to best way to refill pump and box.

Click to expand...

Steve, when I've reinstalled the steering box, all I do is add sufficient FORD type "F" ATF fluid to the pump then start the engine.

Click to expand...

Use power steering fluid, atf will foam up and sqeaul.

Click to expand...