Power steering issues..

[cazsper]

Ok, here it is. My car is a '73 Mach-1, 4v Cleveland automatic, power steering (just in case it matters. Driving home (about 30 miles) I noticed that the steering was getting harder. When I got home, I could hardly turn the wheel. When I checked the fluid level of the power steering pump, it didn't even register in the dipstick. Obviously the pump, right? I put fluid in it and attempted to bleed the pump (slowly turning the wheel back and forth). Now that it has fluid in the pump, I can still hardly turn the wheel. Can I assume the pump, at least, needs to be replaced? Any suggestions?

 

[JimNiki]

It might take a couple of minutes to prime itself again? Just a guess... I would've thought that if the pump was buggered you'd hear horrible noises.

You may have to swap it for a reco anyway if the seals are gone.

 

[cudak888]

Jack the front end up first, then cycle the wheels lock-to-lock. Check fluid, refill if necessary. Cycle the wheels again. Check fluid. Repeat until fluid level doesn't go down. Bring the car down.

If you lost ALL your fluid, expect to find a leak that you'll have to repair in the process of priming the system as describes above.

-Kurt

 

[cazsper]

Thanks.. How high do I need to raise the front end?

 

[MechEng]

Just enough to clear the front wheels so it's easy to turn. What I would suggest is pull the return hose off and manually spin the pump until you see fluid come out. I did that first to make sure the pump worked. Then hook it back up and bleed as described

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TommyK]

Are you using Type F trans fluid?

 

[cazsper]

Ok..

Type F? Yes.

 

[TommyK]

Ok..

Type F? Yes.

In the power steering pump I mean LOL!

 

[cazsper]

Yes..lol