More Power Steering Pressure

[ellis93]

I've came across a hydro-boost system,on a 01 chevy 3500, that at low rpm had to low of pressure to operate both the steering and brakes at the same time. I figured it was a simple fix with a pump replacement. The pump was replaced and the problem was better but still there. Steering was just to hard. So I figured that I just got a some what sorry pump and chalked it up as poor quality control on A1 cardones part. So I installed another one from O'Reilly's. Same thing all over again. Now,I'm a fairly level headed person but now I'm pissed. So then I do some Internet searching and find some info on the check valve inside the pump. This was on its adjustment and modifications to increase pressures.
http://westtexasoffroad.homestead.com/p ... ering.html

So I go ahead a pull the check valve out and pull it apart.
Valve assembly


Valve internals


I took it all apart and installed a washer under that small spring in the internals and trimmed the stem like that web page instructed. I reassembled the valve and installed it back in the pump. I filled the pump full of fluid and cranked the truck to see if I did any good. The result was the best power steering I've EVER felt in a newer chevy truck. No tightness anywhere and you could spin the steering wheel with one finger.
One problem with it, it had a little pump noise. Thought it was just air and proceeded to turn it lock to lock to bleed it some more. As I turned the wheel all the way to the left and hit the spot a heard the pump squeal and make a loud POP!!!! Then no more power steering. At this point I am confused and really annoyed. I look under the truck and see a steadied steam of P.S. fluid hitting the ground from the pump body. Yep, I'm doing it all over again and I'm not happy.
Took it down and find this.....
Pop!!!


Not what I wanted to happen.
So I bought another pump and made the same adjustment less the shim under the small spring. Now it works great with no bind,squeal or poping.
Stock setting
Adjustment set from cardone

Adjustment after a get done tightening it.

[ellis93]

Update:
Drove the truck home then back to the shop ( 58 miles round trip) to make sure that the steering didn't get stiff with the fluid getting hot. Seemed to stay the same. I did not feel any change in effort to turn the wheels.
This may be a worth while thing for you guys with big tires. I've a hydraulic winch that never seemed to work right. Always seemed weak. I think I'm gonna stick it on the dodges bumper and up the pressure on my pump.

[BILTIT]

Also, this company is known in the offroad world for its good hydro boost knowledge. They can increase the volume that flows through the hydrobooster to assist in better steering, it is a must with hydraulic assist rams. I have spoke with them before and they said its a volume issue not pressure when using both at the same time, upping the pressure helps to a point but beyond that it needs to be opened up for more volume. I think it was about 250 for them to rebuild and open up a booster.

http://www.vancopbs.com/category_s/66.htm

[ellis93]

Man they've a price on that kit. I'm sure more volume is nice,but that's high for 114$ booster,39$ pump and 45$ of line. As a replacement to vacuum booster I doubt that you'd ever feel any difference in steering. In this trucks case I believe that the steering sector had issues inside itself. I think that just the mod to that valve would be sufficient, well as long as there's no 1/16th thick shim under the small spring.

[BILTIT]

Also comes with mounting brackets and M/C. But i agree, all hydroboost kits are pricey!!!


Up here a rebuilt booster is 300,

[ellis93]

300$
That 114$ was what I payed at O'Reilly two days ago, why so high there?

[BILTIT]

Hydroboost boosters are always expensive here. Its cheaper to have it sent to the us and rebuilt i think, downtime though.