Hello All,

I'm having some major problems with my steering and I'm hoping someone can help. I have replaced my power steering gearbox due to a leaky sector shaft seal. The unit I purchased is actually new from Ford. The problem I'm having is that the steering is very stiff with the new box....so stiff that the steering wheel won't return to center after making a turn. It actually feels like a truck does without power steering. I'm afraid I got a bad box but I really don't want to remove it and ship it back.

I contacted the place of purchase and spoke with a technician there. I was told that the boxes are all preset and that I should NOT adjust anything. They feel it's probably my power steering pump but everything worked fine with my old box so I don't think it's that. The tech also said that it probably wont' "loosen up" like I had hoped it might. So, I'm stuck.

The only think I can think of, other than a defective box, is the possibility that there is still air in the box? Is there a good way to bleed the new box?
I had my old box in and out 3 times before finally giving up and going with a new unit (long story)...now this happens. This truck is wearing me out. Any guidance you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

Did you bleed the system? While idling in P tun the steering left to right and back. Do not stay on the stoppers when you have the wheels cranked. Do this 4 - 5 times and see if that helps.

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Yes, I found some additional information on bleeding the system after I posted this. I'm am sure there is no air in the system now. The steering improved slightly but is still very stiff and does not return after making a turn. I am going to replace the pump before pulling the box and returning it. I don't think that's it but the old pump doesn't look so good anyway. Thought it might be worth a try for $40. Thanks

 

reman box?

if it's not returning to center after a turn it's the box.

 

There is a procedure for setting the sector shaft pre-load. If not set correctly, your box will be stiff (It may even bind up completely) and will not return to center as you mentioned. If your steering is not returning to center as it should and everything else checks out then I would have the sector shaft pre-load checked.

My Dad always said "Just because it is new doesn't mean it is good!"

 

I'm convinced that the "new" box I got is bad. I tried everything the tech suggested and it's still super stiff when going straight and won't return after a turn. They have sent a return shipping label so I will be returning it shortly.

I noticed right away that I couldn't turn the input shaft by hand on the new box. I could on my old one but was hoping the new one would loosen up...it didn't. I picked up a used box today and will try that shortly....it was also easy to turn by hand. More evidence pointing to the reman box.

I'll update this thread when I have more info for future reference. Thanks for the help!

 

OK, more bad news. I got the "new" used steering box on yesterday and all is still not well. The steering is lighter throughout the entire turning range but still doesn't return after making a turn. Before I changed the gear box, everything was fine...is it a coincidence that something is wrong with the steering after changing the gear box? I guess it must be something else causing the problem. I have heavily lubed the bottom steering shaft universal so I don't think that's it....I am stumped. Anybody want to buy an F150 4x4?

 

Just a quick question for. Next time I give you directions on how to fix your truck are you going to follow them. By that I mean are you going to just replace the seal?

 

I did that to begin with and then realized that the box was shot internally anyway. And I couldn't get a straight answer on how to replace it....did the sector shaft have to be removed? I think now that I know how it all fits together that I'd probably be able to do it on the truck...I'd just have to thread a screw or something into the seals to pull them with the sector shaft still in place. Then I would have used some pvc pipe to drive the seals in place...would have to fit over the shaft.

From original thread on this topic:

Originally Posted by Gotts2BMe
It is as easy as dropping the pit man, prying out the old seal, putting in the new one and putting the pit man arm back on. Can be done with the steering box left in the truck. Seal is called sector shaft seal.

Me: So if left on the truck, the seal can be removed and replaced without removing the sector shaft from the steering box? I'm afraid I might damage the seal sliding it over the shaft.

No answer....

But the short answer on your question....yes, I'll try to listen next time.