High flow power steering pump (1 Viewer)

[dtrain]

Hi All
I went and “upgraded” my power steering pump with redhead over a year ago (shaft, hogged it out, etc) but, did DID NOT do the hydro assist.

This issue I am having has been posted (by me) about a year ago. After talking with redhead they are convinced it’s a volume issue. They are saying that my brand new oem stock power steering pump is not pushing enough volume fast enough (that thing was not cheap). They also had zero recommendations even though all their 80 series customers have no issues they know of.

Is anyone running a higher output power steering pump and, if so, what are you running? What did it take to get it all hooked up/functioning?

This “upgrade” has been a snowball effect I never wanted but here we are. Any help on aftermarket pumps by any of you that are running them is appreciated.



Edit: here is the issue I am having

Driver Side Steering Tough - Redhead Box and new OEM Pump

Hey all! Hoping someone has also had this issue or has some guidance. ‘96 Toyota Landcruiser with the upgraded Redhead steering box (I’m on 37s and Js). Got it back, installed it per instruction, and also got a brand new OEM steering pump. What I am experiencing…. When I turn all the...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Squeegee]

What issue are you having?

 

[chappysfj40]

there are alot of pumps out there.
biggest issue i have found is under sizing the flow lines. witch will lead to fluid getting hot faster and then not working.
but yea what issue are you having.

 

[SteveH]

Consider the thicker Lucas fluid. It has fixed low boost in a lot of old Toyotas for me, and seems to have no downside. Power Steering Fluid With Conditioners – Lucas Oil Products, Inc. – Keep That Engine Alive! - https://www.lucasoil.com/product/power-steering-fluid-w-conditioners/

 

[dtrain]

Here is the issue I am having:

Driver Side Steering Tough - Redhead Box and new OEM Pump

Hey all! Hoping someone has also had this issue or has some guidance. ‘96 Toyota Landcruiser with the upgraded Redhead steering box (I’m on 37s and Js). Got it back, installed it per instruction, and also got a brand new OEM steering pump. What I am experiencing…. When I turn all the...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[dtrain]

Consider the thicker Lucas fluid. It has fixed low boost in a lot of old Toyotas for me, and seems to have no downside. Power Steering Fluid With Conditioners – Lucas Oil Products, Inc. – Keep That Engine Alive! - https://www.lucasoil.com/product/power-steering-fluid-w-conditioners/

This is the issue:

Driver Side Steering Tough - Redhead Box and new OEM Pump

Hey all! Hoping someone has also had this issue or has some guidance. ‘96 Toyota Landcruiser with the upgraded Redhead steering box (I’m on 37s and Js). Got it back, installed it per instruction, and also got a brand new OEM steering pump. What I am experiencing…. When I turn all the...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Azca]

I have installed hydro assist brakes. I had whining coming from the pump even after many bleeding cycles including letting it sit after running. I have had a few people tell me it is a volume issue as the reservoir Mr. T has is now too small. We will see. I have a PSC reservoir on my desk now to be installed this weekend. Hopefully this will resolve it.

 

[azusa]

Have you cleaned out the reservoir?

 

[BILT4ME]

I'm going to shift gears on you a minute to have you take a picture of the tie rod behind the front axle with the truck sitting on the ground with all it's weight on it. I want to see the entire tie rod (even if it's in sections) and in relationship to the lower arms.

I'm thinking something else (not pump), but it may not be the case.

 

[Stew80UT]

You're not going to like what I'm thinking but ive seen it happen. A lot of times on a fresh system like you installed people will fire up the vehicle and the reservoir will get sucked dry in seconds and by the time people get more fluid in it the pump has cavitated and gotten hot or damaged internally. It does genuinely sound like you have a flow issue and id probably look at the pump.
Does the pump whine or sound weird?

Id be curious to see how your fluid looks while it's running, does it ever appear to have air in it?

If it were me I would crack the lines on the steering box and see if any air comes out while it's running, like bleeding brakes.

 

[azusa]

If you really want to know if your pump is good or bad, you'll have to do a line pressure check. You'll have to tap in somewhere between the pump and the box on the high pressure side. Then you could go back to the rebuilder and give them the information.

 

[dtrain]

Have you cleaned out the reservoir?

I have not but it does have all new fluid. Could there be a chance it’s blocking flow?

 

[dtrain]

If you really want to know if your pump is good or bad, you'll have to do a line pressure check. You'll have to tap in somewhere between the pump and the box on the high pressure side. Then you could go back to the rebuilder and give them the information.

It’s a brand new OEM pump from Mr T and a reputable dealer. I don’t feel like it’s the pump given all the mods they did at redhead. That ship has sailed in going back to those people. I was not at all impressed with their “support” anyway.

 

[dtrain]

You're not going to like what I'm thinking but ive seen it happen. A lot of times on a fresh system like you installed people will fire up the vehicle and the reservoir will get sucked dry in seconds and by the time people get more fluid in it the pump has cavitated and gotten hot or damaged internally. It does genuinely sound like you have a flow issue and id probably look at the pump.
Does the pump whine or sound weird?

Id be curious to see how your fluid looks while it's running, does it ever appear to have air in it?

If it were me I would crack the lines on the steering box and see if any air comes out while it's running, like bleeding brakes.

I bench bled everything possible and it def never got sucked dry (I have seen that happen as well and was cautious)

The fluid never looked or appeared to have a bunch of air in it. Looked good.

I saw the comment above about cleaning out the reservoir… I didn’t do that but worth a shot.

And I like what you said about cracking the lines at the pump as well.

 

[azusa]

I have not but it does have all new fluid. Could there be a chance it’s blocking flow?

Yes they can block the flow, I'm sure you can find a few threads how to clean the screen. Or put a aftermarket reservoir something like on post #7.

 

[azusa]

It’s a brand new OEM pump from Mr T and a reputable dealer. I don’t feel like it’s the pump given all the mods they did at redhead. That ship has sailed in going back to those people. I was not at all impressed with their “support” anyway.

I don't think it's the pump either. When you installed the steering box did you do any other repairs to the steering linkage or suspension?

 

[baldilocks]

My money is on a partially blocked strainer in the reservoir. I’d say there is no way air remains in the system since installing the new box a year ago.

Are you running ATF in the system or PS fluid from Joe blows parts store? Toyota calls for the ATF.

 

[dtrain]

My money is on a partially blocked strainer in the reservoir. I’d say there is no way air remains in the system since installing the new box a year ago.

Are you running ATF in the system or PS fluid from Joe blows parts store? Toyota calls for the ATF.

That’s a great place to start and free (ish) to check the screen.

ATF is Lucas semi-synthetic Dex lll and Mercon V

 

[ZetheGSD]

I had this exact issue and had replaced everything in the steering system except for the reservoir. When I remove the cap while running fluid would spew out like a geyser from the reservoir, which I have read this is fairly normal, but seemed excessive and my power steering effort was higher than it should be. I replaced the reservoir with a new unit and now steering effort is wonderful and fluid no longer shoots out of the reservoir when the lid is off while running.

 

[Azca]

I had this exact issue and had replaced everything in the steering system except for the reservoir. When I remove the cap while running fluid would spew out like a geyser from the reservoir, which I have read this is fairly normal, but seemed excessive and my power steering effort was higher than it should be. I replaced the reservoir with a new unit and now steering effort is wonderful and fluid no longer shoots out of the reservoir when the lid is off while running.

Apparently the fluid foams and there is not sufficient distance for the bubbles to break before returning to the system. The PSC reservoir has an internal filter which is supposed to stop the foaming before returning back to the system. It is only theory on my end until it is installed and running. Crossing my fingers that it will resolve this issue.

For the steering, and I am not sure but would think you are pushing more fluid which would exacerbate the issue.