Another power steering issue!

Fluid was dirty so I decided to flush it. Removed the reservoir and blasted a whole can of carb cleaner in there. Got out most of the crud. Refilled with ate which what was in there before.

Truck up on jacks, cap off reservoir, truck on but not started. Turned lock to lock a few dozen times. Lowered truck, put the cap back on, took to for a spin.

Pump whines loudly and steering is rough, not smooth at all.

What could be the issue? I drove it through plenty of turns with no improvement.

 

I should also note, the O ring on the bottom neck of the reservoir was really loose. Now it's leaking. Could this be letting the system suck air which might be causing the whine and rough steering?

 

Check the PS reservoir for bubbles... if air is in the system the PS fluid will be bubbling or frothing.

 

Thanks for the reply cow. My issue was the little O ring that goes on the reservoir neck. When I first reassembled everything that O ring was loose. When I pulled the reservoir after the first failed test drive, that O ring was destroyed. Put a new O ring on and no more problems.