Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Heyas,
Got a 92 NH v6 3ltr Paj.
Went to start the truck up and noticed that my steering wasn't coming back to centre after going round corners and has been getting harder and harder to steer either to left or right. You put a fair amount of effort in and truck will stay on that line till you physically move the steering wheel to correct course.

Being a novice in this, would this be the power steering pump being dead causing it to be so hard to steer. Is the power steering controlled by any form of relay or is soley belt driven.
What I have done and checked is made sure power steering fluid is at the right level - no adjustments necessary.
Belt tension is firm with no slack - belts in near new condition.

Right now I have priced a power steering pump as I was advised by a backyard mechano (slacks creek, brisbane) that it was dead, but I have a feeling its not that, the truck shouldn't be that stiff when trying to turn.

Tested L4, H4 and then off just in case, but no change.

Any ideas pls ???

I wouldn't jump straight to the steering pump. I wouldn't expect it to make a significant difference at speed. Have you checked your tyre pressure? Are you running factory wheels or aftermarket?

Jack both front wheels off the ground and turn the steering wheel - is it still hard to turn?

Checked tyre - std 31" - tyre pressure 40psi cold
Jacked up wheels - no difference.
When trying to turn the steering wheel there is a clicking noise as well.
Have pulled the dash off and steering wheel to try and isolate clicking noise but not able to quite find.

You sure there is nothing fouling the steering column? No wires wrapped around it as all? If that is fine then i would lean towards the steering box. I'm pretty sure there is valving within the box that allows it to self centre.

Has anyone adjusted the "play" out of the steering box for you?

Plenty of fluid in the system ?

Scott - no - well not that I'm aware of - however the mechano I took it too briefly undid one of the hoses on the powerpump and nothing was coming out, yet theres plenty of fluid, according to the dipstick.

I just had a thought that maybe a line might be blocked, will have to wait till tomorrow to check that possibility out.

Any joy on this issue?

Thought I would add my experiences:
I've got a 94 NJ, with recent 40mm body lift and a not so recent 50mm susp lift. 33x12.5R15s...

The steering is stiff to turn, but only at certain angles. For instance, driving normally is fine, but turning through an intersection involves a bit more effort to turn the wheel, and struggles to re-centre after turning past the stiff point. Sharper turns, like into a driveway, the steering will hit the stiff point, then will free up as the wheel is turned more.

Doesn't seem to matter whether the vehicle is stationary or moving, but it is a bit more noticable when rolling since I guess there is less load on the steering.

First noticed a hint of this 1000 km ago - noticeably worse now.
I've tried jacking the whole front end and turned the actual wheels by hand - nice a smooth.
Turned the steering wheel with the engine off - smooth.
Turned the steering wheel with the engine running - smooth.

PS fluid looks good and at the right level.
The PS pump belt doesn't sound like it slipping or anything, even when the steering is loaded up.

Anyhow, my problem sounds a little similar to the one mention in this thread, so I'd be interested to hear if anyone else might have some clues. I'm wondering if the steering box is just shot.

Okay, I lifted the front end again, and I can definitely just feel the tight spots in the steering directly through the wheels and through the steering wheel. There's a tight spot approximately every 1/4 turn on the steering shaft.

Hmm, just a thought - could the uni joints on the steering shaft be the cause of this? They are on a bit more of an angle now after a 40mm body lift...

I'm going to disconnect the tie-rod from the steering gear tonight to check which half is binding up.

pjb wrote:Hmm, just a thought - could the uni joints on the steering shaft be the cause of this? They are on a bit more of an angle now after a 40mm body lift...

I'm going to disconnect the tie-rod from the steering gear tonight to check which half is binding up.

Being every quarter of a revlution of the steering shat would make that a place to start.. Especially if the joints are binding.

Every quarter of a turn would indicate a universal joint binding...isn't there one between the steering column and the steering box itself ? or maybe near the firewall ?

Been doing any creek crossings ?

I had one seize up in a Toyota Camry from over enthusiastic washing...the uni joints are "sealed for life" and not greasable.