steering issuses

[97ChevyZ71]

hello everyone im sure this has been ask before im new to the site so I figure I just start a new post I have a 97 1500 my steering was messing up so I replace the pump the valve on the back of the pump and it still feels like I have no power steering at low speeds or when I first take off and try to turn the wheel I was reading about the evo on the steering shaft I disconnected it today my question is after I unplugged if it was bad how much better should it be I got better its now has hard to turn at low speed like it was and next question I have is it normal for when you turn the key on not to start just on the on postion and try to turn the wheels they wont turn any help be great thank you

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by 97ChevyZ71

hello everyone im sure this has been ask before im new to the site so I figure I just start a new post I have a 97 1500 my steering was messing up so I replace the pump the valve on the back of the pump and it still feels like I have no power steering at low speeds or when I first take off and try to turn the wheel I was reading about the evo on the steering shaft I disconnected it today my question is after I unplugged if it was bad how much better should it be I got better its now has hard to turn at low speed like it was and next question I have is it normal for when you turn the key on not to start just on the on position and try to turn the wheels they wont turn any help be great thank you

proper pump filling of the fluid into the pump with the wheels both off the ground turning the steering wheel full left /right until the air is out.

could be bad pump
many have had to replace the steering box. when worn the bind.

[97ChevyZ71]

is they anyway to test the steering box to is if its bad before spending the $175 for anew one and I already bleed the power steering pump and all

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by 97ChevyZ71

is they anyway to test the steering box to is if its bad before spending the $175 for anew one and I already bleed the power steering pump and all

you have 200,000 mi on this I would guess it is the box. your not the first with this .

sometimes you get hard steer to right or just sloppy steering.

replace the pump again.

make sure the belt is clean not slipping no oil on it or the pulleys ..if you get no pressure then it is the pump ...this happens very often..new pumps n/g.

[97ChevyZ71]

I jacked the truck up today and found out that my upper ball joint on the driver side is shot so would that cause my hard steering when turning to the left

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by 97ChevyZ71

I jacked the truck up today and found out that my upper ball joint on the driver side is shot so would that cause my hard steering when turning to the left

well that is not the issue now ..replace the ball joint and check all those front end parts first..

how often do you grease these ? you have a shop do this greasing ?

[97ChevyZ71]

I think I found my problem I can move my steering shaft in and out of my steering box guess it time truck has 262,000 miles on it

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by 97ChevyZ71

I think I found my problem I can move my steering shaft in and out of my steering box guess it time truck has 262,000 miles on it

now with the box worn the best thing to do is get a scrap yard box.....anything with 150,ooo miles or less..

reason is the rebuilt ones are crap.

[97ChevyZ71]

guess I be calling around here to see if any of them has one plus have to pull the lower control arms off anyways to take them to the shop just put new upper ball joints in have to put the lower ones in

[97ChevyZ71]

not to hard to replace the steering box I got a used one from my salvage yard the truck 80,000 miles on it to remove the box the 3 bolts on the frame the 2 lines the pitman arm and steering shaft right

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by 97ChevyZ71

not to hard to replace the steering box I got a used one from my salvage yard the truck 80,000 miles on it to remove the box the 3 bolts on the frame the 2 lines the pitman arm and steering shaft right

how does it steer ?

[97ChevyZ71]

its steers awhole lot better with the new steering box just have to get the new tie rod ends next paid day

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by 97ChevyZ71

its steers awhole lot better with the new steering box just have to get the new tie rod ends next paid day

like I said the box is a problem with hard steering in most cases but you do have to check out the steering components...also keep it greased so it has to work less..

[97ChevyZ71]

I just grease all the ball joints and the tie rod ends and all also think im going to get the power steering bypass tube for the EVO on the back of the pump