[Texas Diesel]

I have had low power steering assist for some time. Tried a variety of fluids, synthetic, ATF4 etc. None helped. I could turn the wheels on gravel, slick cement but on pavement the best I could get was 3/4 turn on the steering wheel. Moving down the road steering was normal, just couldnt turn them if sitting still on pavement.

Today we installed a new PS pump and ATF4. Problem gone wooohooo!!

We took the old PS pump and removed the pressure regulator just for kicks. It was nasty and full of metalic crud, worst of all was that the fine metal screen (filter) was clogged. This may be why I had low steering boost.

This might be worth looking into if you are having low assist type of problems. Warning: removing this and fooling around with it may be considered tampering if you are under warranty.

The regulator valve is at the botttom of the PS pump.

I'll attach some pictures including a closeup of the screen.