Power steering problem-82

[Rmodeler]

It has always steered hard for having power steering. The pump was checked and it was pumping ok. So I decided to change the power steering ram. When we got it out, it was pitted pretty bad. Installed the new one. Now while driving it, when you turn it , it doesn't want to come back to center steer, you have to turn it back. I already have play in the steering coupling so it makes a lot of steering to run straight. What would cause it not to return back to center? :confused

 

[6880 Mike]

Did you bleed the system after the new ram was installed?

 

[JohnZ]

The control valve determines the flow of fluid to/from in/out of the ram; that's usually where power steering problems are.

 

[Rmodeler]

I didn't change the ram myself, but I thought the guy who does my work mentioned about getting the air out of the lines. If he didn't get it all out would it still eventially work its way out? The control valve was the next thing I was going to try and check out. Or would it be better to just replace it?

 

[6880 Mike]

...Or would it be better to just replace it?...

Probably wouldn't hurt to replace it. You can get a rebuilt unit and use yours as a core.

 

[Hib Halverson]

You need to adjust the control valve "centering".

The factory service manual contains the instructions for how to do that.

 

[Rmodeler]

Thanks for the help. I've got the factory service manual. It looks relatively easy to do. If that doesn't work, I'll just replace it.