Ford Truck related

[JimR]

I figured with the large population of great people on this website that maybe someone might have an idea as to what my problem is. I have a 1994 Ford F250 with power steering. The sector shaft seal was leaking and the steering pump was moaning a lot. I replaced sector shaft seal. After bleeding off the air and running the truck a bit. I noticed the steering went away. Upon looking down under the sector shaft seals and snap ring had blown out of the steering box. I knew the pump was a moaner so I replaced it thinking that maybe the pump bypass was sticking. I put the seals back in and installed 2 snap rings this time. Again in less than 3 minutes I blew them out of the box. There is no groove in the box to hold the snap ring in place. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I've worked on vehicles all my life and never ran across this one.

 

[BlueRidge]

Jim, you can find some serious Ford experts over at

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/index.php

I've gotten some good anwers there.

 

[Egon]

Perhaps go to a library and find a book on repairing your truck. You may be able to find a blow up of the steering box.

My very unprofessional guess is that some internal components are worn and binding causing your pump to moan.

It may be easier to check with auto wreckers and price a used steering box.

Egon

 

[Dargo]

My '96 Dodge 1 ton 4X4 was doing the same thing. I bought this product http://www.solidsteel.ca/DSS.htm a few years ago and all problems completely disappeared. Not a single issue since. I assuem that it is inherent to the design such as what I had. If you can find something like in the link like I posted, your problem will be solved quickly and easily. Good luck!

 

[JimR]

Thanks for the info guys. I did post a message on the Ford Forum.
I also think there may be something binding or a blockage somewhere in the box/lines. I wouldn't consider a used box as they changed the design in the latter part of 1994 year model. This means that any box that I could possible find used would probably have a lot more miles on it than the 88K I have on mine. Still looking for a quick fix. One thing I forgot to mention is that the steering seems to turn both ways freely with the pitman arm off the box. I will look into that again today to make sure it turns freely.