I am experiencing what appears to be a total loss of power steering and brakes. The steering has to be two handed to make a right or left turn. The brakes feel like they are somewhat solid, but I have no braking power.

About two months ago, the steering box and pump were replaced on this truck from a small shop. (I purchased the truck about 3 weeks ago). It drove fine for the first week, then I experiened some sponginess in the brakes a couple of times. Then yesterday I drove the truck and the power brakes and steering were gone.

I have checked fuses, and find nothing that refers to power steering or brakes. The serpentine belt is snug and in good condition. The fluids are full and I see no leaks.

Does it sound like power steering booster?

Truck Specs: F350 SuperDuty Crew 2001, 7.3 4x4

 

Welcome to FTE.

Got to be something in the pump. Any trapped air should be gone by now. Both brakes booster and steering work of same pump. Does the pump make any unusual noises when turning? Try adding a little more fluid to the pump. Mine stays just a little above full. I cut my line going to the cooler for the PS pump and it took several adds before I finally got all the air out and enough fuild in.

 

Thanks, I'll try that. Is the booster only for the brakes and not for the steering too?

I cannot hear any unusual noises.

 

That should have what they call hydro boost brakes. The power brakes work off of the power steering pump. It sounds like you have a bad power steering pump to me.

 

Yeah, both the power steering and the brake boosting are done with the power steering pump.

The fact that the fluid level was good is surprising. That would tend to suggest that the pump isn't building pressure for some reason. Perhaps the blowoff valve is stuck open. I don't know if one of the other components (steering box or brake booster) could bleed off enough pressure to lose both systems or not. My bet's on that valve either having a piece of dirt stuck in it or a misplaced spring, though.

By the way, the fluid in there should be transmission fluid. Dexron III, I believe. Hopefully you've got a nice light red in there. Sometimes people put the wrong fluid in there.

 

The fluid is dark, not red. I can't imagine the shop putting the wrong fluid in the power steering resevoir, but anything's possible. Afterall my trucks steering and brakes are broken only a month after having the steering box and pump replaced.