Saginaw steering box issue

mustardfj40 · 09-30-07, 06:45 PM

Finally I got the truck started up again but....My saginaw box when not moving doesn't steer smoothly, there's a spot when I feel like there is no power steering at all (it just stops there and I have yank the steering wheel a bit to keep it moving). If I jack the front axle up, I don't feel that spot, it steers smoothly from side to side. And there's some leaks at the top cap too. This box is a rebuilt box with couple hundred miles on it.

Please tell me that something I can do without removing the box because I've just removed it coupe weeks ago to address an interference problem I have with steering shaft and the engine mount. It was a whole day event

Thanks in advance.

Josie'sLandCruiser · 09-30-07, 09:10 PM

Hi All:

Tien, I'm sorry no more knowledgeable Listers have not posted up on this yet.

Only thing I can suggest is that perhaps the pulley on your PS pump is not the correct size; that is, it does not giving the proper mechanical advantage when the engine is at idle?

Good luck!

Regards,

Alan

Pin_Head · 09-30-07, 10:36 PM

Make sure you have all the air out of the pump. Fill it when it is running and check the level when it is off. If the fluid rises when you shut it off, there is still air in the system.

mustardfj40 · 10-01-07, 12:14 PM

Thanks! Charlie.

Alan, I think owe you a set of mini-truck Aisin hubs, I got one and the local cruiser buddy has the other. Let me me check with him.

peesalot · 10-01-07, 04:02 PM

FWIW my sag box has the same issue when sitting still in driveway. I put new box on and same issue. If it revs or roll sit steers.

Downey · 10-01-07, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pin_Head

Make sure you have all the air out of the pump. Fill it when it is running and check the level when it is off. If the fluid rises when you shut it off, there is still air in the system.

I agree, but also steer it from stop-to-stop with engine running to force all air to come to the reservoir (burp it). If any problem persist, instantly rebuild or replace the gear box, do not put your families life at risk with a questionable gear box!!!!!

Mace · 10-01-07, 04:45 PM

Wait, it is leaking?

How bad?

mustardfj40 · 10-01-07, 06:14 PM

It's leaking at the top cap where the adjustment screw is located (it's around the edge of the cap that faces the box), the leak is small but it is there. It was working perfectly without any leaking until I removed/installed the steering linkage. I didn't even unhook the steering hoses. I am fraid that I might have damaged the box while removing the linkage.

If I jack the front axle up, with or without the truck running, I can steer smoothly, so I beleive there is no binding in the linkages. With the truck moving, it's ok too. It's only that when parking and I try to steer, there's that one specific spot that it feels there's no power assisted. I have to force the steering wheel past that spot to get the wheel turning again.

Currently, I don't drive the truck. This is a hard to find J**p J20 saginaw steering box.

Thanks.

Mace · 10-01-07, 06:25 PM

Cycle the steering a BUNCH of times.

get a pic of the leak.

Pin_Head · 10-01-07, 06:36 PM

Leaks can't be good. I would fix it first.

If it only has this problem when the engine is idling, then I would bet it is a problem with flow volume. Put a smaller pulley on it or get a higher volume pump.

Air in the pump usually makes a squealing noise as the fluid cavitates.

spotcruiser · 10-01-07, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mustardfj40

Currently, I don't drive the truck. This is a hard to find J**p J20 saginaw steering box.

Hey Tien,

J20 boxes might be a little hard to find at the junkyard, but they are readily available rebuilt.

Cardone Part No. 276529 $122 + $50 core at RockAuto.com

Good Luck,
Todd Bull.