Power Steering Trouble

[tstrohl]

I have a 1965 Plymouth Satellite. I just replaced the power steering gear box and pump. I am having a problem with it now though. With the car in the air and the engine on, the steering wheel turns left all the way to the stop when you let go of the steering wheel.

I have been given two likely causes.
1) there is air in the system. I pulled a vacuum on the system though and I know there is no air in it.
2) by pulling a vacuum on it, I may have damaged a check valve on the pump.

Can anyone either confirm these two diagnoses or give me any other advice on what actions I should take?

If I did damage the check valve on the pump, is there any way I can repair it or do I need to send it back for repair.

 

[Bobzilla]

If you have a factory service manual for any year similar gearbox, check for the adjustment procedures. If I remember correctly, the Chrysler gearbox can do this if the valve body on top is not positioned correctly. Loosen the mounting bolts and tap it forward or rearward a tiny bit, tighten, and retest, I think is how it went but check a manual to be sure.
If it's a new/rebuilt box from a vender, check with them first, as this adjustment may void any warranty.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Don't have your hands on the wheel when you test it. Probably know that. My mopar for service manual click on reference . Bobzilla is correct about adjusting.

 

[miller]

The need to adjust the pressure fitting on the gearbox, is completely normal. No way to adjust it on the bench...has to be on the car. Just loosen the two bolts enough to tap the fitting plate around, until the steering centers itself, and stays in place. There's also an o-ring in there, just so you know.

 

[Cmmopar]

Adjust valve body with wheels OFF ground..

"Torque both bolts holding valve body to steering gear to 7 ft. lbs., or 84 Inch lbs. to prevent leakage during adjusting procedure. Also do not turn steering wheel to full stop during this procedure or you may blow out the new “O” rings.

Start engine, tap valve body up or down to center steering wheel.
When tapping VB down (causes left turning wheel) hit valve body on end plug.
When tapping VB up (causes right turning wheel) tap on head of screw attaching VB to main valve body.
DO NOT HIT CONTROL VALVE BODY
Keep adjusting with gentle taps until wheel stays put at start up, and retorque bolts to 16 ft. lbs., or 192 Inch lbs.

Turning wheel left than right several times will purge any air trapped in the system."

-good write up from wjajr on this link post #2

https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/centering-power-steering-box.200383/


Some good info on adjustment:
https://www.allpar.com/history/mopar/steeroids.html

https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/power-steering-valve-body-adjustment.366878/

https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/power-steering-adjustment-to-box.223999/


http://www.firmfeel.com/img/MAarticle2012apr.pdf

http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/652853/2.html