I'm replacing my steering box and would like to flush the remaining fluid out of the PS pump. What's the method for flushing the remaining fluid left in the pump? Will everything in the pump drain out of the disconnected lines that go to the steering box? I'd rather not pump any of the old fluid through the new steering box.

 

anyone???

 

I'm not sure but you could probably hook an air compressor to it.

 

You definitely do not want air in the system, I've heard bad things about air in there and then steering is very difficult. What I did was replace all fluid in the reservoir about 3 or 4 times, then you've basically flushed the system.

 

When I did mine in my '90, instrutions said to disable engine so it won't start and crank on it for a few seconds or so and that is suppose to pump it out. Then bleed the air out

 

Where are you guys getting replacement boxes at? Mine is leaking bad out the top where the shaft joins and is starting to make noise with the steering wheel locked.

 

If I was not replacing the steering box, that's what I'd do. But, since I'm putting a new steering box on, I don't want to run any of the old fluid through it. That's why I'm asking for help to flush all the old fluid out of the PS pump.

I'm not sure if there is such a thing as a good steering box. I've hear good and bad about PSC, AGR, etc... I may be taking a gamble, but I bought my new box from carsteering.com

 

You can use a turkey baster if you.re worried about the bit of remaining fluid in the reservoir. These trucks have more to worry about than a small amount of old fluid & most will come out during box replacement. Make sure the pitman arm is disconnected OR the wheels are off the ground when you bleed the system after the box install. AGR has been LOTS of trouble & I'm on my 5th box. Nice people but the quality control isn't there. I'll try Autozone reman next. At least they are readily available quality. Be sure to go through the adjustment procedure while you have the box on the bench. It may save you some trouble. Look up the details in the FSM. Directions may also be on Geno's site. Check steering shaft for play while you have the box out. Also look at tie rods & ball joints. Make sure the steering wheel turns smoothly before you connect the box. Don't turn it too far or you'll screw up the spring. Install DSS to support the pitman shaft & take pressure off the seal. I suggest removing the top of your old box to learn how it works before adjusting the new. Use synthetic fluid. Check your work in stages & make sure nothing binds so you don't have to take anything back apart.

 

Junk Man,

Thanks for the info.

That answers my question. As long as most is drained during box replacement, I'll suck the rest out of the reservoir. I just did not know how much would be trapped inside the pump.

I asked about adjusting the new box when I ordered it. They told me that it did not need adjusting and if I did adjust it, it would void the warranty.

Good tip!

All tie rods, ball joints, dampener, and track bar are new Moog parts. I replaced them last month. I also installed a DSS and got an alignment. That's the reason I'm replacing the steering box - After all new parts, it still wanders all over the road and the alignment shop said the box was loose.

I plan on using synthetic if I can find any locally. I checked Autozone last night and they did not have synthetic.

 

Most Napas carry Royal Purple synthetic.

 

"I asked about adjusting the new box when I ordered it. They told me that it did not need adjusting and if I did adjust it, it would void the warranty."

I'm on my 5th box and will never put another in unless I adjust it first. AGR says it will void warranty. No problem. I'm not buying another of their boxes. Autozone etal don't know if it's been adjusted or not. Try loosening the lock nut gently with channel locks wrapped in rags. See if the adjusting screw has some type of paint to show it's been messed with. They don't use computer security. Pull the cover off your old box & look at it. Do a practice adjustment on the old box as it is only a core. Use a credit card & dispute the charge if it comes to that. You NEED synthetic. Royal Purple can be had locally within a day. (NAPA, Advance & O'riely's) Make sure the wheels are disconnected or the front end is off the ground before bleeding or even turning the wheel. USE the procedures on AGR's site as they're very specific. It ain't rocket science but can be problematic so isolate each component before connecting to next. ie steering wheel turn freely by itself? Box goes smoothly through the range when un installed with no slop? Box with steering wheel works? Then add road wheels.

 

BEFORE you replace the existing box, your not out anything if its LOOSE to adjust it first!! the adjustments will remove the slop, just do the bearing pre-load (where the steering column hooks to)first then after that do the over center adjustment last,(nut and stud on top of box) turning this too much will cause the steering to bind and NOT return to center when turning a corner.
I think its easier to do in the truck, and takes all of 1/2 hour. just make sure the steering wheel is in the straight ahead posn before doing any adjustments.
I'll see if I can find any instructions......

 

Here's some stuff from Geno's
http://dodgeram.org/tech/troubleshoot/steering.htm

Here is the instructions
http://dodgeram.org/tech/mods/steeri...ear/Adjust.htm

Like I said its easier and faster to do in the truck,

 

I already did this. It did not help.

Advanced, O'Reily's, and Autozone did not have synthetic. Napa did not have it on the shelf, but the guy at the counter found some in the back.

 

I've bought synthetic royal pur[le in 12 oz bottles from Orileys. I'm going back to stock box when I have time. My new AGR box is garbage & I'm tired of trying everything else so as not to blame the AGR. The mechanic that aligned it said that he could feel where the box was worn. Probably incorrectly machined as they use some Chinese parts. At least A1Cardone is readily available. I may pay a shop to do it if they'll get a lifetime warranty on parts & labor.