Rack and pinion no worky

[junker39]

I've been trying for weeks to get this Escort R&P to work.(toward the end of "Don't know build") Rebuilt '88 Escort R&P, from RockAuto discontinued department. $39. Can't go wrong, I said. OK. I tried using the pump from a 79 Ford pickup. Had bad trouble finding the right fittings but, finally got it hooked up. Fired the Ford up and as soon as I touched the steering wheel, it started oscillating left to right, about a quarter turn, and the pump belt was a squeeling. I have tried holding the wheel but, all that does is make the pump squeel more. Next, I was going to use a small pump from a 2000 Escort, and I lost the hub for the pulley that I was going to mount a single v-belt pulley on. Next, I went and pulled the pump from a 94 Escort. It's got the same "big" pump as the 79. I swapped out the spring, relief valve,(if that's what it's called), and pressure fitting. Used the Escort plastic resevoir and mounted all that. Tried that and it does the exact same thing. Left to right rapidly and the belt howls. (and it is tight).
Is what I have here a defective rebuild on the gear or something else? I can get the R&P from the 94 but, that is a real job I'd rather not do if possible. Can anyone guide me in the right direction? Thanks.

 

[Sniper]

Sounds like similar symptoms as using a Ford steering gear with a GM pump. The Ford system uses less pressure and flow than the GM pump normally puts out. May have the same thing going on with the "large" Ford pump you mentioned using, it's overpowering the steering rack. Might have to find that hub and go with the smaller unit. I seem to remember this subject being discussed a year or so ago, a search might help get you some answers.

 

[Tripper]

WHAT... power steering on R&P?!

BoB

 

[tator]

I t sounds like you got the hoses hooked up backwards, try switching them around. I have heard of this happening before.

 

[junker39]

Thanks Sniper. I looked up the pumps for the 88 and the 79. They have different part numbers but are both the bigger pumps. I figured the difference was the pressure on the spring and the valve size. That's why I swapped those pieces.
I took the R&P back off and put it in the vise. After looking at it good, I removed the two ¼" lines and with a little bending on one of them, they can be swapped. The shorter line will go in either hole. I've looked for a picture of that year model gear but, none of my books show a good enough one to determine which hole each line goes to. I imagine if the lines were put in the wrong place, it would play bad games on the operation. I guess I can put it all back and try it with the lines changed. It can't get worse. Blow up maybe. Thanks for your input.

 

[junker39]

Tator, I looked that up too. The pressure side is 16mm and the return is 14mm. That's how I have it. And I measured the port in the R&P to make sure the return line wasn't a restriction. It's ¼" and the hose is ⅜". So that ought to be good. Thanks.
Tripper, I've got to have POWER everything. By the time I get this on the road, I may have to have a wheelchair ramp too.

 

[Tripper]

Tripper, I've got to have POWER everything.

Haha... u got me on that one!!!

BoB

 

[zzrodder]

I had the exact same thing happen on my 38 Chev - Mustang II power rack, and a Chevy pump - though I installed the pressure reducing kit, it did the same thing you describe. I had it up on stands and it really freaked me out, slamming back and forth !!

I had the hoses backward..... the pressure side is the small port. Think about it, return lines need to bleed pressure fast so they are larger.

 

[junker39]

Hey ZZ, I will try that. Sounds logical. There's pretty much a majority of yall saying that so, I will try it.(if it works, then the parts house has some screwed up books. not the first either.) Oh, boy, I can go back and do some more "creative engineering" on the fittings again. Thanks. I will let you know tomorrow.

 

[junker39]

It's a wonderful day!!! I re-did the fittings and put the pressure side to the 14mm and the return to the 16mm. And it actually works. Now, I'm going to the parts house, borrow their power steering hose catalog, take it to the parking lot, and BURN it. ( I did burn a Chilton's book one time. It had all the timing marks, on a DOHC V6 Mazda, wrong. After three tear downs and lots of real pretty words, I called Mazda. They said "Oh, don't use Chilton's, it's all wrong.")
Thank you guys for all the help. Esp zzrodder for having fouled up before me.

 

[zzrodder]

Glad to hear it worked out, it's always great when you can learn from other peoples mistakes.
That's why i watch Americas Funniest Home Videos !!