198k miles Steering wheel even with front end raised very very stiff.

I replaced the pump and flushed, bleed the system. Still stiff as can be has a little movement with struggling but not much . New pump wines when forced.

I would think with wheels raised I should be able to easily turn the steering wheel from the tires ???

used the old reservoir no way to clean the internal screen? Or get a new reservoir ?

Has to be something beside the screen / filter.


What about the steering shaft U-joints mine are heavily rusted as I look at them . with wheels off the ground , can now turn a bit easier but still very very erratic

 

If the pump is whining you still have air in the system or the replacement pump may be bad.

Spay penetrating lube on the steering shaft U Joints to see if that is part of your problem and frees it up.

Have you read this...? Power Steering Pump Reservoir Replacement

 

your rack could be bad.

 

Yes I did spray with penetrating oil spun it end to end a couple times now sprayed with Lithium grease letting that soak in.

Yes I did read the posts from the above link , used the old reservoir, wish there was a way to clean the internal filter .

I inquired at the local parts store about a replacement rack...$500 ish but they asked is the tie-rods 14 or 16mm.
Hate to spend that kind of money and the rack is good . guess I could disconnect the rack at the spindles / tie rods but they are heavily rusted , if I do get them off then mine as well replace the rack cause they ain't coming off easy.

 

That's what I am afraid of . Just want to be sure before I shell out the cash, do the work then find out that's not it .

 

2006 H3 stock tie rods were 14MM. If you do the rack, and off road it, might want to upgrade to 16MM when tearing it all down?

 

ok thanks , No OFF road , maybe my driveway, primary use is for Northern NH winter snows.

 

Latest UPDATE

Front wheels off the ground, after soaking steering shaft u-joints with WD-40 then white lithium grease. Steering wheels turns with hesitation / grabbing / binding felt in both directions . Odd thing is no difference with engine running or not. same stiffness. Pump only squeals when FULL left or FULL right . there is foaming in the reservoir after I do it while engine running and turning the wheel tests .

 

If there is no difference with engine running or not, I would highly suspect the PS system is not working properly. Either pump, fluid, or rack/pinion.

 

Or the stiffness & binding is originating in the steering column/shaft prior to the rack.