Difficult steering wheel turning when cold - '87 5KCSQT

[George Harris]

My understanding of the hydraulic system in our 5000's is that the pump
is really 2 pumps; one for the steering and a second for the braking
system. If you look at the hydraulic pump sitting high up at the front
left (driver's side) of the engine you will see 3 lines attached. One
comes directly from the reservoir (input), one goes to the steering
rack, and the third goes into the bowels of the black pit towards the bomb.

Theoretically you could have good pressure built up in the bomb from the
last time the car was driven and warmed up and still not have good
pressure for the steering. One of the reasons to use the 'correct'
pentosin hydraulic fluid (green in colour) is for its flow
characteristics. Maybe you are just finding out what happens when we use
a substitute that doesn't have the correct flow characteristics ;-)

Have you thought about flushing the hydraulic system and putting in the
proper Pentosin?

Cheers
George

David Balbirona wrote:
> I'm back with yet another question.  This time regarding difficult steering
> wheel turning only when the car is first started.
>
> The model is an '87 5KCSQT.  If I don't let the car warm up sufficiently
> (i.e. 4+ minutes) the steering is harder than a manual steering wheel to
> turn.  If I do let the car warm up about 4 minutes (1/4 normal operating
> temp) then the system has had enough time to charge and steering is normal.
>
> Now, I *DO* get the red warning triangle and this has been going on in this
> vehicle since before I purchased it. There is a recharged bomb (purchased
> from Russell) that was installed about 80K miles ago.  Current pedal
> push is
> about 20ish before the pedal goes hard.
>
> The type of fluid is heavy mineral oil.  This was used by the previous
> owner
> for cost purposes due to the leaking from the old bomb.  Since the bomb was
> replaced the fluid level is fine with no apparent leaks.
>
> I have read about another hydraulic pump.  Could this be the culprit.  TIA
> for the help.
>
> --David Balbirona
> Renton, WA
>
>
>
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