I know that the pump is leaking. It is kind of a disappointment because it is new. Howerver i am wondering if there should be play in the power valve. i have about 1/8 of a turn from left to right in the wheel. with or without the car running . i was told by the mustang shop that i bought it from a couple years ago that they are supposed to have the play in it.

is this true?

 

There should be substantial play with the engine not running. There should be none with the engine running. Is the play in the valve or in the gearbox?

Replacing pump seals is possible.

 

It is for sure in the power valve. The gearbox is tight

 

Here's why I'm confused. There should be less than 1/8 turn of play with the engine running, but it's perfectly normal to have more than 1/8 turn with the engine not running.

In any case, running/not running should be different.

 

There has to be movement in the ball stud sticking out of the control valve/centerlink for the system to function.

This movement is easily noticed when engine is not running, should not be noticed when running.

The ball stud, the thing you see moving, is sliding the spool inside the valve to control fluid to one side or other in the cylinder.

If this sliding of the spool is not accomplished, then there won't be assist.

The movement is not noticed when running because the SLIGHTEST movement slides the spool, forces fluid the cylinder moves, all is centered---ALL this is a split second.

Take a all new tight Power Steering to a Newly, Certified, Bonded, Auto Tech graduate, watch him pass out when he see this movement, he's say it is worn out.

Dan @ Chockostang

 

I've had people call in a panic because their car won't pass technical inspection due to excessive steering play. I tell them to start the engine, and check it again. Then they pass.

 

I know there is supposed to be play in there when the engine is off, however it is there wether or not it is running or not. the power assist does work. there is just a lot of slop in there and every component was replaced two years ago when i rebuilt the car. the steering box is reallt tight with almost no play in it.

i am pissed because the pump is leaking as well. it is leaking from the housing where the mounting bolt goes in.

i love the assist and want to keep it but it does ldevelop a lot of leaks

 

unfortunately the control valve is not working correctly. the spool spring only has a bout 10 lbs stiffness before it lets the spool shuttle back and forth.

Do you really know if the control valve is seeing pressure from the pump? if you can validate that, then it's just a rebuild of the control valve

 

yes it is deffinatly getting pressure. my 3 year old baby girl can steer it sitting still with one finger