Power Steering Cylinders

J. J. R.

Member
I have heard that there is a way of checking power steering cylinders to see if they are good or not. Does anyone know how this is done? My Ford 600 steers a bit hard and slow. Did lots of work on the front end, steering box and pump, but nothing seemed to have changed. We are thinking it's either one or both of the cylinders. Or maybe the selector valve in the steering column. But I what to check the cylinders first. Years of loader work may have weakened them.
Thank You
 
I don't know of a way to check those cylinders.
That's not to say someone here doesn't have a way to do it.
Did you go through the hydraulic valve in the column?
 
That valve, and the cylinders are the only things I haven't rebuilt or replaced so far in the entire system, including rebuilding the whole front end. But the steering is still hard if I try to turn fast. If I turn slow it's kind of ok if I'm moving.
Thank You
 
Might try turning wheels all the way to right or left, remove appropriate line , then turn steering wheel and hold it there for a few seconds, to see if oil is bypassing in the cylinder. If cylinder is good, no oil should come out the disconnected port.
 
Thank you for the suggestion Fritz. It sounds like a great idea and easy to try. Bet I screw up and take the wrong line off, ha-ha...

Guess if the cylinders end up being ok, then I'll have to go after the steering valve in the column. I was hoping not to have to go into that. But either way it is going to be an expensive venture.
Thank you again
 
If the cylinders pass the leak test, put a gauge on the line at the cylinder and make sure the pressure is up to snuff before you go ripping into the steering column. I know you said you did pump work, but just make sure. Some dirt in the relief valve during pump change for example. I think finding something wrong with that valve would be an extreme rarity.
 

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