Wheels won't turn when sitting still

[02cumminsdude]

Hey guys, a couple months ago I replaced my power steering system. Borgeson gear box, pump, shaft and hoses. Also installed a filter (yes it is flowing the correct direction). When I try to turn the wheels from a dead stop I can't turn the wheel either direction more than maybe a quarter turn before it locks up. As soon as I start moving it's like butter and while driving it's smooth. When I first bled the system I sucked air in and also ended up over filling the pump but now the fluid level is good and I re-bled the system so it shouldn't have any air in it. I just can't turn the wheel at a stop. Any ideas? The tires are only stock 265's so it's not like I'm trying to turn big heavy tires.

I had read some people saying the Borgeson pump was fairly weak at low rpm's... maybe that's why? I also read a couple guys had this issue from the day they bought the truck new. I can't imagine why though and would like to fix it if possible because that's just not how it's supposed to be. I've never driven another vehicle that had that problem. If it's common and not a big deal I can live with it, but I'm trying to smooth out some final kinks with the truck this summer so I can have a completely problem-free truck lol

[JAG1]

I don't know what causes your problem except maybe air in the lines?

I seem to never turn my wheels while sitting still. I always let the truck roll slowly and then turn.

I do want you to know that I changed over to synthetic Valvoline power steering fluid and it works noticeably smoother. With no pump squeal in very cold temperatures.

Edited July 12, 2014 by JAG1

[Mopar1973Man]

Try kicking the RPM's up to see if it is a pressure issue while turning.

 

Me personally, I wouldn't bother with the name brand hype I would just replace with a factory power steering pump and gear box. 232k miles and ticking on the clock and still not even a leak on my factory pump or box yet. All the rough road miles and forestry roads.

[02cumminsdude]

I certainly wish I had stuck to a factory or Redhead gear box since the improvement was not what I had hoped for for the money spent. But it's too late now I suppose. I haven't tried increasing rpm too much, but I'm sure that would help. I rarely need to turn the wheel from a dead stop either, but I noticed in our 05 Silverado (and any other vehicle for that matter) it was no problem to turn the wheels at a stop. I just don't want to have to rev up the truck just to pull out of a stop and look silly. Not really an issue I ever encounter so it's not a huge deal but I just like knowing I could if I had to. I also filled with Royal Purple synthetic as well.

[freedomisntfree]

That would really suck here in southern California where u need to parallel park. I have that issue but not as bad. I get maybe a full turn before she runs out of juice in a dead stop. I don't know what the problem is

[Wild and Free]

Did this mod on my 02 and it made a huge difference while driving around town and in tight parking lots.

 

http://westtexasoffroad.homestead.com/powersteering.html

[joecool911]

Is there stuff to wear out that wouldn't be addressed from this mod?

[Wild and Free]

If it is not making noise, his relief may be getting weak or the pump efficiency isn't as good anymore both can be addressed by the mod, if this mod doesn't work then his pump could be beyond its life and time for replacement. Could be a plugged screen as well but he would find that while doing this mod as it comes out with the relief, it is part of it inside the fitting IIRC.

[klcammie]

While changing fluid on mine I cleaned the little screen and have had no trouble in 2 years.