Power Steering Problems

[70challengersix]

I finally was able to get my car running and am having power steering problems.  The power steering gearbox was rebuilt a couple of years ago.  With the car on jacks and engine running, the power assist seems ok, however when off jacks the steering is very stiff. Since the car was restored, the system was dry so fluids were added for the first time.  The shop manual says to turn the wheels a few time to the left and right to prime the system and I did that.


Where do I start with with the troubleshooting?

[Chryco Psycho]

is there still air in the fluid , if so there will be no pressure to assist the steering

[70challengersix]

Chryco,

I needed to add a little fluid after turning the wheels back and forth.  The fluid looked ok with no air bubles in the reservoir (eith the car turned off).  Would you suggest that I monitor the fluid with the car running with the reservoir cap off?

[Chryco Psycho]

yeah , run it side to side & see if the fluid is foamed , I would leave the cap on though

[72cudamaan]

Is the pump noisy? And can you tell if the pump is actually working. ie fluid moving

[70challengersix]

OK, 

I tightened the belt and ran the steering back and forth numerous time and watched the reservoir - no bubbles and clear fluid.  I noted that with the rpm at idle (800-900 rpm), the wheel was very stiff (like a farmal tractor) - but when the rpm was revved up to about 2000, it was easy and smooth.  Could this be an indication that the pump needs replaced? This is a 6-pak car with the power steering cooler (not that this makes a difference).   

Thanks

[Chryco Psycho]

Maybe contact Firm Feel & tell them what the symptoms are & see what they suggest .

[70challengersix]

Here is what I discovered so far,

Within the power steering pump, there is a "flow control valve" located in the bore that connects to the output line connection.  This is a spring loaded valve that somehow regulates the output line pressure based on rpm.  This valve was "stuck" in the closed position.  I pushed in on it with a wooden dowel and it now operates freely.  I suspect this is the culprit as the steering worked somewhat normal under higher RPM's.  I will advise the results once I put this pump back on.