FJ40 OEM power steering not working properly...PLEASE help!

[Daedna]

Hello,

I am at my wits end with my factory power steering. To make a long story really short.....

I have the OEM power steering setup on a 1980 FJ40 and I have had the pump and the gearbox "professionally" rebuilt.

The system has always worked somewhat, but had leaks from all of the seals. Now, it doesn't leak from the seals but it still seems to leak. More importantly, the steering wheel shakes and shutters when at a stop and trying to turn the wheel. When moving it is less noticeable but still unacceptable as I have already spend $500-600 trying to get the steering squared away.

Does anybody have any experience with this style of power steering (I think it is recirculating ball right?) I couldn't find anything on line that talks about shuttering with respect to the actual steering components.

Thanks in advance, Dave

 

[honk]

When it was repaired did you take the whole truck in or only the pump and box? If you took the truck in was so long ago that you can't take the truck back to where your pump and gearbox were rebuilt?

The part about the wheel moving even while you're stopped makes me think that the pump output pressure must be fluctuating and if it didn't do that before the 'repair' then it must be a result of the rebuild, no?

 

[JohnnyC]

Just some things that might help you and us... Are you using power steering fluid or ATF

You need ATF

Steering cuppler shot? Binding

Pic of cuppler? Set/up

Was anything else fixed ... Drag link... Center arm

 

[Katsarata]

Had the same thing when at a stop and trying to turn the wheel it jerks and shudders in my hand turns out the belt was not tight enough, quick couple of turns with the spanner good as gold.

 

[Daedna]

I sent the components to CA (I live in VA) to have them rebuilt....so returning the truck or parts is not really on option

The wheel doesn't move when stopped....it shakes when I try to turn the steering wheel while the truck is stopped (with the engine running)

I was using power steering fluid but switched over to ATF after reading your response, didn't seem to make a big difference.

Steering coupler is used and rusty....but seems useable (se pic)

Repairs include rebuilt pump, rebuilt box, replace tie rod ends, grease birfields (maybe first time ever)is

I think the shaking is there all the time...just more pronounced at low rpm. If I keep the truck @ 2000 rpm when stopped and turn the wheel it seems to vibrate, if the truck is at idle it shakes

 

[JohnnyC]

Two things that come to mind right now are that it doesn't look like you have ever adjusted or even greased the center link in a long time ... I would get somebody in the truck to move the wheel back and forth and see what if anything has play in it

You could have air in the lines possibly ... did you go full lock to full lock several times

I don't know if any of this IS the issue... But... It's a start

 

[Daedna]

Thanks for the responses...that gives me a few things to try. I'll tighten the belt, grease the center arm, look for play, and I have another OEM pump that I will swap in if those don't produce results.

I'll report back if I come across anything interesting...Thanks again!

 

[Weber Sarge]

I'd start with greasing the center arm , as well as check it's adjustment . If it's set too tight it will fight any input from the steering wheel - might be causing feedback into the gear box .
Sarge

 

[Katsarata]

Try one thing at a time so you find out what was giving you the arse.