Original, welded type, Ford power steering cylinders.
Two steel brake line type fittings in the rear end of the cylinder.
I have three of them and suspect they all have bad internal seals as
they don't work. Not even when disconnected from the steering linkage.
At least one of them (maybe more) will move when disconnected
from the steering linkage if I help it get started moving by hand
but it moves quite slowly. None of them leak externally. The lines
to them are new, not restricted, clogged or kinked. Pressure
measures about 700 PSI on gauge rigged to the line.
I have an aftermarket PS cylinder that attaches with hoses.
One hose at the front of the cylinder, one at the rear.
When I hook it up to my steering control valve, it works fine, so it's
not the valve. If the tie rod bolts on that cylinder were long enough
to reach through the radius rod and the steering rod, I would use
it, but they're too short and are welded on. Not easily replaceable.
What else can I do to prove the cylinders need to be rebuilt?
Would the pressure and the aftermarket cylinder working fine
be enough proof for you to spend the money on having one of
them rebuilt to find out?
I do not have an easily adaptable external hydraulic source,
but air pressure is an option up to 175 PSI.
If the worst comes to worst, I guess I could hook them one at
a time to one of my tractors with working power steering.
I didn't want to take those tractors down to test on right now.
Not to mention introducing moist air. Maybe when spring gets here.
Two steel brake line type fittings in the rear end of the cylinder.
I have three of them and suspect they all have bad internal seals as
they don't work. Not even when disconnected from the steering linkage.
At least one of them (maybe more) will move when disconnected
from the steering linkage if I help it get started moving by hand
but it moves quite slowly. None of them leak externally. The lines
to them are new, not restricted, clogged or kinked. Pressure
measures about 700 PSI on gauge rigged to the line.
I have an aftermarket PS cylinder that attaches with hoses.
One hose at the front of the cylinder, one at the rear.
When I hook it up to my steering control valve, it works fine, so it's
not the valve. If the tie rod bolts on that cylinder were long enough
to reach through the radius rod and the steering rod, I would use
it, but they're too short and are welded on. Not easily replaceable.
What else can I do to prove the cylinders need to be rebuilt?
Would the pressure and the aftermarket cylinder working fine
be enough proof for you to spend the money on having one of
them rebuilt to find out?
I do not have an easily adaptable external hydraulic source,
but air pressure is an option up to 175 PSI.
If the worst comes to worst, I guess I could hook them one at
a time to one of my tractors with working power steering.
I didn't want to take those tractors down to test on right now.
Not to mention introducing moist air. Maybe when spring gets here.