Hi to all at Mustang Forums,

I've been looking around the internet to find a good forum on older mustangs and thought I would take a chance on this one. Just registered today 11/03/2008 and thought I would try this post.
I have a 1966 Mustang 289ci convertible with power steering (Ford pump) which has developed a little problem in the steering. The steering has become quite erratic at times, binding and choppy. It happens all the time, even when the car is at rest and idling, just turning the wheel back and forth. I've checked the obvious, such as belt tension and power steering fluid level. I have had both upper and lower ball joints replaced, both inner tie rods and outer tie rod ends and the power cylinder replaced. All to no avail. This really has me scratching the old noggin. The car has always been a fun car and it has been doing this for about a month now.
I would appreciate any expertise anyone may have regarding this little annoyance. Could it be the pump itself or the steering box going south? I know this is a bit “wordy”, but I want to give as much information as possible to help in making an educated diagnosis. It's pretty hard to find a good old car mechanic around here. If they can't plug the car into a computer, they're pretty ignorant about how to diagnose the problem, let alone fix it properly.
Thanks again for any help anyone may be able to provide. Maybe I can post a few pics if I can figure out how that works. This is the first time I've ever used a forum and I'm trying to figure out how it all works.

Chuck

 

What exactly do you mean by erratic and choppy?

Do you mean the power assist cuts in and out? That sounds like a stciking pressure valve in the pump.

What do you mean by binding? Do you feel the power assist is not working, or something is binding in the system, then breaks loose?

 

Thanks for the fast response stanger53.
the best I can describe it is that, while turning the steering wheel, it locks up but with a little extra turning force, it frees up again. It's doing this all the time now. Kind of like something blocking the steering components underneath but that is not the case. Your comment about power assist cutting in and out sound like it might be what is happening.

 

Sounds like a sticky control valve.

 

Im no expert but I Agree with fakesnakes. The control valve is cheap and easy to fix.
Assuming the pump is not making alot of noise and the problem is not isolated to low speed - as in a parking lot ect.

 

Hmm. If it locks up a bit, not just gets harder like the power assist goes away, it could be you have blown out a ball guide in the steering box and the reciprocating ball bearings are binding and breaking up. That will result in serious damage.

 

How about removing the belt and driving the car to see how it reacts? It'll be tough steering but you might be able to pinpoint it between the steering box and power valve.

 

Thanks for all the responses... Never thought about removing the belt. will try that and see what happens. The pump does not make any noise at all and the problem is at all speeds or even when idle, just turning the wheel back and forth. I thought about the steering box also, but want to eliminate anything else before attempting that one. I know that won't be a cheap fix.
Thanks again for all your help. Glad I found this forum with so many helpful Mustangers.

Chuck

 

Does it actually lock-up while turning or does it 'catch' and is it in the same spot (ie. same location in the turn radius)? Had this happen before and it was the worm gears in the steering box.

btw.. Welcome to the forums Chuck!

 

Thanks for the welcome Adrenolin... It doesn't really seem to be in the same positions all the time.. Most of the time, yes, but not always and it doesn't really lock up tight and not move anymore but when I apply additional force to the steering in the same direction, it then loosens up and keeps turning.
I just came in from trying gjz3075's suggestion of removing the belt and it steers really nice, nothing like when the power is active, but I now know how to build up my upper arms. Power is a definite plus.
Hopefully this test eliminates the steering box as I was really concerned about that.
I'm thinking this only leaves the pump or the control valve.
Am I correct in thinking this or am I missing something else??

Thanks again for everyones help. Keep on Mustangin' and don't forget to vote today

Chuck