Steering box problems

[jordanfr13]

I just replaced the stamped top steering box on my cutlass with one that has the 4 bolts on the cover. Before I drove it, I put it up on jack stands and turned back and forth with the car running. Afterwards, I took it for a drive, but the box makes and excruciating noise whenever I turn. When I turn the wheel, it also feels like the wheel is catching, and when I turn it, it's easy, then hard, easy, then hard. Is it just a matter of adjusting the pressure on the top of the box? Or did I put in a box that was already shot.....

 

[patmckinneyracing]

What is the condition of the box? New or used? Where did it come from and what vehicle? Power steering or manual?

 

[jordanfr13]

Wow, that was fast. It was off a 4-door cutlass at a wrecking yard. Power steering.

 

[patmckinneyracing]

More than likely it's shot. Should have just gone to autozone or parts store and got a new one. I had a ring retained steering box in my 80 malibu that was leaking like a sive. Went to autozone and for 100$ bought an 86 monte carlo ss quick steer ratio box that's two and half turns lock to lock. It's a good performance box and you'll end up paying the same amount for a regular box for your cutlass that is three and a half turns lock to lock. You'll need to use the steering box you have now as a core or just pay the core charge. When it comes to parts like that, going to the junkyard isn't the best idea. Body panels and anything non mechanical will be fine from the yard but not mechanics.

 

[jordanfr13]

Shoot, thats really not what I wanted to hear. Box of my boxes at 2 3/4 turns lock to lock.

 

[patmckinneyracing]

Only reason I would think that box would not work, is if either your power steering fluid is low or the whole box is shot.

 

[jordanfr13]

I just got back from taking it for a drive. I had checked the fluid level yesterday, but I guess it didn't read accurately since the fluid was all frothy. I checked it now, and it was low, so I emptied the extra power steering fluid I had into the reservoir, and now it's 10x better. it still has a slight whine to it, but my other box did too, so I'm fine with that. Thanks for the help.

 

[patmckinneyracing]

I forgot about that. Those steering boxes hold a lot of fluid so it probably nearly emptied the resovoir.