Even after a new ac delco pump the steering is overly stiff at idle. It's likely the steering box right?

 

Im having same issue only thing i have yet to replace is the power steering cooler and nothing has changed....... Either need to use upgraded valve in the pump, the cooler is restricted, or possibility theres a tie rod or ball joint binding.... At times i wonder if maybe my pulley isnt slipping on the pump shaft, but it was rather tight going on so i doubt that is the issue...... In for a cure myself!!!

 

Rack is shot....once a rack gets metal in it, its junk

 

Who said anything about a rack??? If his truck is 4wd unless its 07up its got a gearbox....

 

Ok gear box is shot

 

When you load the steering gear at the limit, does it lug the engine at all? If not (and you don't hear the pump straining) it's the pressure control valve that needs work. If it does lug the engine or make the pump whine, then you likely need to adjust the preload on the steering gear.

My suspicion would be first with the pump, they're all underpowered from the factory unless you get one with specific Hydroboost and suspension options. Here's how you mod the modulator on the pump:

Modifying your Power Steering Pump - GM Truck Central

 

get the wheels off the ground and try it

 

How are you guys bleeding the system once you install the new pump? There's the way most people do it, and then there's the correct way. Not trying to sound know-it-all, trust me I did it the wrong way many times and probably killed at least 1 pump in the past doing it like that. When I did an engine swap on a 3500HD I took a moment to read the manual because it was hydroboost and I didn't want to wreck anything.

Here's the procedure straight from a GM factory manual. It's for a GMT400 truck but the technique should apply across pretty much all systems, IMO.



I'm sure most people go straight to turning the wheels left/right and adding fluid as necessary, but that means you're operating the system with air pockets in it. Not good. Skipping those first few steps can be murder on a pump (or hydroboost unit as well, if equipped.)

Richard

 

Ive had good luck starting it up letting it run, topping off fluid and turning the wheels while the pump is turning, shut it off for about 20 minutes let the aeration go away, start it up to run for a few more minutes, and have never had a problem killing a pump or with a customer come back for a problem.... Learned my lesson on a ford power steering pump, in a taurus..... Went through three pumps before i realized.... Trying to bleed the system with the pump not forcing fluid through the system...