Power Steering

[garyp]

I am Working on my 1973 challenger, installed engine and got running this weekend. problem I have is the power steering pump heated up to the point that the fluid over flowed ,not sure what would cause that ? I installed a rebuilt power steering gear box but I used the old pump.
Thanks

[73440]

I would check that the oil level is correct when cold.
Maybe one of the lines are clogged.
Turn steering wheel lock to lock to expel air.

[mopar jack]

If the wheels turned hard to one direction right or left on start up of a new box you will need to adjust the valve on top of the steering box. It happens frequently on new startups when so many things have been changed. That's why it's recommended to disconnect the power steering pump belt when starting a new engine.

[mopar jack]

you will need to adjust the pivot valve lever. Easy to do. If the wheels self turn to the left you slide the valve up if it turns to the right you slid it down. Loosen the 2 bolts that hold the assy. and tap it the direction you need, it only moves a small amount. The pivot valve is the block that the power steering pump hoses mount to

[garyp]

Great info Thanks, the wheel does pull to the left when starting

[1 Wild R/T]

I know Jack mentions it but I'm gonna repeat it.... Be aware the picture does not depict adjusting the valve, they are adjusting sector depth & till you've driven the car you don't want to touch that.....

[mopar jack]

thanks 1 wildR/T I was worried that the pic would confuse the adjustment point so I tried to describe it as the block that the hoses go to . the factory service manual didn't provlde a pic of just the pivot valve.

[garyp]

Thanks again. so you think that adjustment will fix the heating up of the fluid ?

[mopar jack]

If your wheels are self turning then it will help. This happened to me years ago on a cam break-in. The steering went hard left and the pump fluid started boiling out. Had to shut down the break in and fix the steering issue. That's why it's recommended to disconnect the steering belt on a new engine start up. After you break in the cam you can fix the steering. Raise the front end until the wheels are off the ground and start the car. The wheels should not move on their own. If they do you will need to adjust the pivot valve so that the steering will stay centered when you put it there.

[Rich G]

Yep I made the mistake once of standing outside the car and sticking my hand through the steering wheel and starting the car. Damn near broke my arm! LOL