slm135

I couple of weeks ago I replaced my power steering pump (1994 F150 5.8L). I then noticed that one of the old hoses was leaking, so I replaced both of them last night. After getting them replaced, I added the fluid and started it up, moved the steering wheel back and forth (stop to stop) a couple of time to make sure I had the fluid level topped off. I left the truck running while I put away tools and cleaned up. I then sit back in the truck and turn the steering wheel--I now have now no power assist! Any ideas of what could have happened or what to try?

The connections at the gear box were rusted pretty good, so I may have gotten a few little bits of rust into the box, though I got all of it out I could with q-tips. But it certainly worked for a little while.

ymeski56

If its an air void, you can put the front end on stands w/both tires off the ground & slowly turn the steering wheel both directions but don't stay againstAlso i either the L or R stops. reverse direction just as you reach them. Also on my 302 there is a sensor towards the lower end of the steering column, just above the gearbox. the ECC monitors P/S activity and adjusts to compensate for P/s load that would otherwise destabilize & drag down the rpm especially at idle. If bad or disconnected, ECC does not compensate. The resulting effect very closely mimics power assist failure. Shows up with KOER scan. I'm guessing that if problem is related to that sensor, if you increased your idle a couple hundred rpm w/ accelerator peddle w/ turning wheel, the feel of power assist would rematerialized. Leme know what happens! Also you should notice a slight variance in rpm when plugging in & unplugging at harness. If no change,check voltage in to ground, should be something around 5V's.Got V's, sensor bad. NO V's, singal wire problem.

slm135

The new supply side hose I installed had a port (which was plugged for my application) for some sensor. In hind sight it probably wasn't wise for me to do so (as I understand pressures may approach 1000 psi), but I removed the plug to see what came out. In my case (luckily?) very little came out, so I knew the pump had failed. I replaced it and everything is working again. Thanks for the feedback though!