No resistance on power steering

I finally got the power steering hooked up, but it's working to well. There is no resistance on the steering wheel. This is a late model pump running the original 1971 setup. I've replaced and rebuilt the whole original system. Is the pump providing to much pressure to the system? Any help would be appreciated.

 

depends on what you feel is no resitance. Mine turns easily with one finger with stock pump setup

 

I haven't driven my Comet for 13 years and I have a 350Z that I drive now. I don't remember what the original steering was like on the Comet and The Z has resistance on the steering wheel so you can feel the road. Maybe It's fine and I'm not used to it.

 

That's the same pump I have. My steering feels "just right" but I have wider tires up front than most.

 

Mine was way too loose for my liking, and it was all rebuilt, I tightened the adjustment in the steering box, it's better. But most old Ford feel loose like that.

 

I should have mentioned that. I tightened that up also.

And yeah, most old Fords do have that problem. For a long time I called myself a GM guy, didn't like Fords. I drove around in a bare-bones, 6 cylinder 5-speed company F150 for a couple of years and liked it alright, and finally once I got my Maverick and started actually learning about Fords, I decided I liked them just fine. But now that I think about it, my WHOLE problem with Fords all this time was I hated the steering. I'd always say "I just hate the way they drive, something about it feels wrong." But it was the steering, that's it. Been driving around an a '77 Lincoln I've been fixing up, and it's the same way. I'm fine with everything about that car except the way the steering feels.

 

i dont know if this can help but the pressure that is sent to the ram is controled by the valve on the end of the center link. i dont know how but if you could adjust that valve perhaps by puting stiffer spings on each side of the ball socket. the pump should have nothing to do with the soft feel. its all in the controle valves calibration.

 

Yeah, if anybody knows or figures out how to recalibrate that valve, it would be one of the most golden tech articles on the whole site. Until then, 235's on the front, lowered suspension, iron heads and air conditioning will fix it right up!

 

Actually Ford used power assist steering...not power steering. This is two different things.

 

This is why the rack and pinion steering setup is so popular in the old mustangs. That or removing the power stuff and making the power box manual.

I have the exact same setup in my car, yes pump and all and it is too loose for my wife, I have been driving old fords like that for years so its not that much of a big deal for me...Its a bonus because It means she never wants to drive my car

 

...and it has a wiggle valve that has a dead spot in the center, that's why i took it off and went to man. steering w/power box. then you can feel the road...

 

Sounds like a win / win scenario to me...

-Scott H.

 

Frank, could you better explain what that is exactly. Maybe pics if you have any. Thanks... By the way, the transmission is in and the crossmember fits great.

 

The pitman arm is connected to the control valve, When you turn the steering wheel, the control valve directs the high pressure to the cylinder and either pushes or pulls the center link which makes the wheel turn.

 

And how is the feel with the power stuff gone and keeping the power box? I'm all for lighter weight and a better road feel. I don't expect a sports car like feel but I wouldn't mind some feedback too as long as it doesn't come at the price of it being a pain to maneuver at low speed.