New, steering cylinder locks to starboard

[JPSCHWK]

I have a 1998 5.7 l GS VP. After discovering a leaking steering cylinder, I replaced the steering cylinder and had to replace the steering pump as well. After bleeding the system ( lick to lock 8 times) Once I fired the engine the steering cylinder cranked the helm hard to starboard and wouldn’t let me turn to port. Any ideas how to fix this?

 

[Scott Danforth]

check the servo valve and cable connection

 

[JPSCHWK]

check the servo valve and cable connection

Thank you. How do I check the servo valve?

 

[Scott Danforth]

the servo valve is the section that the steering cable sheath is threaded into.

what does the factory service manual say for adjusting that end of the system?

 

[JPSCHWK]

There is no adjustment for the servo valve.

 

[JPSCHWK]

This is my steering cylinder. I'm not sure what the 2 ball bearings are for on top of the control valve.

 

[kenny nunez]

If you disconnect the cable from the control valve by removing the pin through the cable end and the cable slightly pulled out from the control valve try starting the engine, the unit should not move in either direction since the control valve has no signal from the helm. If it does the same thing then something is wrong with the valve, like an internal leak.

 

[Lou C]

Now this probably doesn't apply but in my OMC Cobra shop manual they list a procedure for balancing the actuator valve if it has been changed in the power steering assembly. However, the unit used in the earlier Cobras (86-89) is the same as the old style Merc Alpha actuator and the unit used in later OMCs and Volvos is different, I'm not sure if they have the same set up. On these older units you remove a cap at the end of the control valve after removing the steering cable. With the engine running, you adjust the nut to achieve a balanced condition where the power cylinder rod can be moved in and out manually with the engine idling. It says the only time this needs to be done is when a new actuator valve is installed.