550 power steering

[Chief 83]

I have rebuilt the power steering pump on my 550. It is the type of pump that is attached to the generator. The tractor turns easily if you turn the wheel slowly. If you try and turn the wheel quickly it just won't go at least easily. The more you try and horse it the slower it is. It works ok if you are just driving around slowly but makes tasks like raking hay more difficult. The hoses to the cylinders were bad and I replaced those using brake lines (suggested by others on this forum). They may be a bit smaller internally than the originals could that be the issue? Is there a way to check the pressures? If so where would you put the gauge and what should the correct pressure be?
 

[J. Schwiebert]

You asked: "Is there a way to check the pressures"? Yes there is. When you rebuilt the pump what all did you do? You will need at least a 1000 PSI pressure gauge. Do you have a book? We did a Ford that had a minor fire and steers about the same. It is the same unit but uses an Eaton pump. I would check pump flow as well. Remember in hydraulics pressure is force, flow is speed. More questions? J.
 

[Chief 83]

There wasn"t much to the rebuild kit a couple seals and a gasket as I recall. I got the kits from a vintage Chevrolet parts guy. All the parts were right and went in great. If the flow of the pump is bad is the fix then a new pump? Going to have trouble I think finding a 1000 psi gauge. I will check with my machinist tomorrow. What should "good" pressure be? I do have a book and will re-read it.