I have a 53 Hornet 4-door I drive with hand controls.
I recently installed a complete power steering setup from a 54.
It works great at slow speed when rolling. But....
The wheel is almost not turnable when the car is idling and not in motion.
The manual says the PS should engage at 8 lbs of pressure even if the car is stationary.
I exert a lot more force than that and the PS does not engage. Idle is set a bit higher to compensate-but no help.
Anyone with this setup in a 54 or earlier car have any comments or suggestions?
Thanks
Radial tires have a larger (than bias ply tires) footprint making turns when not moving very difficult.
Assuming the pump is O.K. and is delivering normal pressure, The only fix I can think of, is try a smaller diameter pulley on the pump. Where that might be obtained is another question!
Low on power steering fluid or maybe a loose fan belt ?
FYI
Try airing the front tires to max pressure indicated on the sidewall. If no better there are Companys that make Custom Pulleys if you Google Custom Pully OnLine. You need the shaft Dia, back spacing, and overall circumfrence desired.
Keep in mind the Auto Industry was in infancy with power steering then, which was just 'Power Assist',and never will be as easy as modern power, but can be made lot easier than standard steering. Good Luck.
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