The only reason I had to mess with the possibly original Saginaw pump on the 85 RV was because the huge O-ring seal to the reservoir was leaking. The pump itself was fine. I replaced it anyway due to it's age and difficulty to replace on a van chassis. I kept the old one though as a spare.
Power steering pissedness
- Thread starter KansasIDI
- Start date
The only reason I had to mess with the possibly original Saginaw pump on the 85 RV was because the huge O-ring seal to the reservoir was leaking. The pump itself was fine. I replaced it anyway due to it's age and difficulty to replace on a van chassis. I kept the old one though as a spare.
I think it’s just crap parts. And like you were saying about steering habits, I do get along with manual steering for those reasons
94turbocrewcab-lb
Full Access Member
I bought a blue top gear box and it’s great. A little less than red top and I think they’re same league. I went ahead and did the lines and new motor craft pump while in there. My only regret is not getting a hydro boost pump.
Maybe just save for a few weeks and hit it all at once.
(Only buy tools you “need” rather than want)
Or convert to manual
Maybe just save for a few weeks and hit it all at once.
(Only buy tools you “need” rather than want)
Or convert to manual
Last edited:
Ordered the manual box, makes things simpler. I have the money to fix the power steering, but I don't want to.
It's ok as long as you're moving. Otherwise it's almost impossible. I had to move my RV once or twice with power steering not working (pulled the pump and the O'Reilly's one was assembled wrong so i returned instead of fixing and voiding warranty by messing up the paint) and holy crap. I only had to go get water and dump the tanks so it wasn't a big deal or a high risk trip, all pull through stuff, so I just had to start moving before I could steer.
I had a 91 Corolla loose power steering and it wasn't too terrible, i just removed the belt and drove without it. Aside from that, I've had a 93 Geo Metro with manual steering and of course now the bug. Light stuff is tolerable, heavy not so much.
I have operated several big rigs with no power steering. Tough maybe, but manageable. I once had an old IH grain truck with no power steering… and a Ford one too… just have to move a bit to turn. I never minded it.
Rdnck84_03
Full Access Member
Manual steering and power steering with no power are two completely different animals.
James
nelstomlinson
Full Access Member
Holy cow! Ain't that the truth!
Dad's '78 f150 was a bear to steer when the power steering went out. The old '59 IH 5 ton dump truck was easy to steer, if you had time for 20 turns lock to lock.
Black dawg
Registered User
Yes, and typically the alignment specs for both for different as well. Usually much less caster with manual steering.
tbowker
Full Access Member
I keep hearing about repetitive pump failures so I'm wondering if these are remand pumps that are failing or brand new pumps? My PS pump sprung a leak yesterday and I figure to replace it and attempt to rebuild the one I have now so that I have a spare. Should I buy new or remand and which brand is best?
tbowker
Full Access Member
And another thing. The manual says to use dexron 2 for the PS pump, but that doesn't exist anymore, neither does "official" dexron 3. Can dexron 6 be used instead?
Old Goat
Full Access Member
I think Iam using power Steering fluid in mine.
Goat
Goat
tbowker
Full Access Member
It seems to me that if it's called power steering fluid, how does it know that I'm not using transmission fluid.... other than the difference in color? I just prefer to stick with manufacturers specs, if possible. How long have you been running PS fluid in your pump? I presume it's running fine.
Rdnck84_03
Full Access Member
I have never worried about what I put in any of mine. I have used type F, Dex 3, O'Reilly universal, power steering fluid and any combination of them in the same system.
I have one that is a leaker that I should have fixed years ago just never have, I have had the same ps pump on it since sometime in 02 when I got it. Engine is in its second truck so the gearbox has only been running on the mixed fluids since around late 07, but I have seen no ill effects from it. I believe that the leak is the return line on the bottom of pump, just never have gotten around to fixing it.
James
I have one that is a leaker that I should have fixed years ago just never have, I have had the same ps pump on it since sometime in 02 when I got it. Engine is in its second truck so the gearbox has only been running on the mixed fluids since around late 07, but I have seen no ill effects from it. I believe that the leak is the return line on the bottom of pump, just never have gotten around to fixing it.
James
tbowker
Full Access Member
Okay, that makes me feel better. This leak I have, however, will be competition for the Exxon Valdez if I don't do something about it. I have no idea how old the pump is but once I have it out I'll attempt to rebuild it. Thanks for the info.
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