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I did a power steering conversion on my 60 C10, 350ci and something is definately not right. The steering wheel turns by itself at times when the truck is in park and driving it doesn't feel right either. I don't know if the system needs to be bled more. I don't think the hoses are on incorrectly because I think the fittings are different sizes on the steering box, but I'll have to verify that. The belt seems tight enough too. Any insight is appreciated.
Joe

It would act real crazy if the hoses were installed backwards. You probably have some air in the system. Jack up the front end and turn the steering wheel lock to lock about 20 times - with the engine shut off. If you start it before it self bleeds it will cavitate and the system will not work very well on air bubbles.
Fred

Thanks Fred,
I'll try that when I get home,I really appreciate your help.
Joe

Sounds like lines are crossed, although I would not think you could even drive if they were.
Possibly a blockage in the return line?

Grigg

I agree with Grigg sounds like residual pressure isnt bleeding off like it should...

Thanks guys for the replies. It's a rebuilt steering box and pump,so I hope they're good.It seems to be bled properly now,I don't hear anymore noise coming from the pump and don't see anymore air bubbles in the pump. The steering wheel is still turning by itself in park when it's idling after I start to turn the wheel left or right. I guess I should check the return line and see if fluid is coming through it. The directions did say to flush the system first,which I didn't think was neccessary,but maybe it is.
Joe

Is there any significance to having it in park? does it not do this when in drive? I would hope not, but you have mentioned having in park twice now?

Grigg

Grigg,
I'm not sure if it does it when driving, if so not as noticeable. It feels kind of squirlly when driving too, like somethings definately not right. I only drove it once after the power steering conversion because it didn't feel safe or correct. I'll try to look at it again this weekend and hopefully be able to troubleshoot it.
Thanks,
Joe

I did solve my steering wheel turning by itself when in park problem. It was a bad steering box or the control valve in the box I was told by the rebuilder. They sent out a replacement box and it works as it should. I noticed when the engines running in park when turning the steering wheel to the right it turns 15-20 degrees more than to the left from center. Could that be a steering linkage issue or did I do something incorrectly on the installation? I don't know what it was before with the manual steering box, so I'm not sure if it was like that to begin with. The pitman arm can only go on in one position when the tires are centered so I don't think that's the problem. It seems to turn fine when driving, albeit I haven't driven it very much after the install. I just thought the steering wheel should turn left and right the same amount from center.
Joe

If you disconnect the drag link, then turn the wheels all the way one way, and then the other, do they turn any farther than with the steering all connected? If so then you need a longer or shorter drag link to get the steering wheel/gear box centered when the tires are pointed forward, or possibly a shorter pitman arm.

It's hard to describe how to figure it out, but if you sit and think about it for a little while you'll come up with a plan to see if your steering gear box and linkage is allowing full travel of the wheels.

Grigg

Thanks Grigg,
I will try disconnecting the drag link and see if there's any difference. I know what you mean about brainstorming it a little, I normally figure things out after a while. I enjoyed reading about your trucks,you sound very knowledgeable.
Take Care,
Joe