Steering feels light after gear box replacement

[LeFrostiPine]

About 6 months ago, I replaced the majority of my power steering system, except the gear box. However, it started leaking profusely, so I recently replaced it. Upon replacing it, my steering feels extremely light, as if there is no weight on it. Is there a way to increase steering resistance?

 

[GoToGuy]

Lol, most would want less effort. Did you replace the pump?

 

[LeFrostiPine]

Lol, most would want less effort. Did you replace the pump?

Yes, it was one of the first components I replaced. Originally, it felt like there was a 5 lb weight on the steering wheel at one time. I could steer with 1 finger easily, but now it feels like the wind can move the steering wheel lol

 

[scott2093]

What box did you put in? What truck? Possible you got a bunk box? Ratio?
So you mean it fells like steering if the tires are off the ground?

 

[LeFrostiPine]

What box did you put in? What truck? Possible you got a bunk box? Ratio?
So you mean it fells like steering if the tires are off the ground?

Correct. I ordered a cardone one off Rockauto for my 96 k1500. I don't know the ratio off the top of my head.

 

[Caman96]

I ordered a cardone one

Most of the reviews of Cardone steering boxes aren’t good.

 

[0xDEADBEEF]

More toe in will make it less darty feeling. You can get a flow restrictor from Turn One to make it take more effort. I'd recommend calling them before just ordering one.

Turn One - Power Steering Flow Restrictor

Power steering flow restrictor for GM Type 2 power steering pumps. This replacement component changes the flow rate coming out of the pump.

turnonesteering.com

 

[revmatcher]

Does your truck have "Electronic Variable Orifice" steering? If so, perhaps the valve is stuck open. The system allows lots of flow at zero or very low speed to make steering easy, and places a restriction on the flow when a certain speed is reached.

https://s7d9.scene7.com/is/content/GenuinePartsCompany/2058222pdf?$PDF$

 

[Caman96]

Does your truck have "Electronic Variable Orifice" steering? If so, perhaps the valve is stuck open. The system allows lots of flow at zero or very low speed to make steering easy, and places a restriction on the flow when a certain speed is reached.

https://s7d9.scene7.com/is/content/GenuinePartsCompany/2058222pdf?$PDF$

1996 models don’t.

 

[L31MaxExpress]

Perhaps they sent you the box with an 84 casting rather than an 83. The heavier GVW trucks use a larger bore piston. Same pressure equals more assist. Slightly more toe in will help stabilize the truck in a straight line. I drove my Van and Tahoe with the EVO unplugged for years because I hated the EVO feel at highway speeds. The sluggish power steering response and lack of assist was downright dangerous in gusty cross winds.