Power steering issue
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Halstead, KS
Power steering issue
Before I get beat up too bad, I do plan on replacing the pump, but I just want to share my issue and what kind of imput everyone might have.
The problem:
The power steering seems to work fine while driving. But if i come to a stop and try to turn the wheels its almost impossible, acts like it has no power steering at all.
My first attempt to fix the problem was to flush the fluid. I pulled the rubber return hose off the hydroboost and attached another hose that ran down to a catch pan. With the front end on jack stands I fired the motor up. Now, I believe there should be a nice steady stream of fluid coming from the hose, correct? I got nothing. Rev'd the motor up a bit, nothing. Turned the wheels back and forth, nothing. It acts like it isnt pumping at all, but i know it is because regular driving everything seems fine.
Since Im a federal govt. employee, and i'm being furloughed right now, any kind of maintenance is being put on hold. Thankfully my truck is not my DD, so i'm not putting a bunch more miles on it with this steering issue.
Anyone have any ideas why it would not be atleast pumping some fluid? If the pump was completely shot I wouldn't think it would steer like normal while driving around.
The problem:
The power steering seems to work fine while driving. But if i come to a stop and try to turn the wheels its almost impossible, acts like it has no power steering at all.
My first attempt to fix the problem was to flush the fluid. I pulled the rubber return hose off the hydroboost and attached another hose that ran down to a catch pan. With the front end on jack stands I fired the motor up. Now, I believe there should be a nice steady stream of fluid coming from the hose, correct? I got nothing. Rev'd the motor up a bit, nothing. Turned the wheels back and forth, nothing. It acts like it isnt pumping at all, but i know it is because regular driving everything seems fine.
Since Im a federal govt. employee, and i'm being furloughed right now, any kind of maintenance is being put on hold. Thankfully my truck is not my DD, so i'm not putting a bunch more miles on it with this steering issue.
Anyone have any ideas why it would not be atleast pumping some fluid? If the pump was completely shot I wouldn't think it would steer like normal while driving around.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 705
Likes: 1
From: Sandia Park, NM
No clue but will follw this one as I have the same issue of not turning while stopped. I didn't want to waste my time on a flush sice these pumps are notorious for going out. There's not an inline filter installed that could be clogged is there? Some folks put those magnefine filters in there and don't realize they need to be changed.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 94
From: Delta, CO
make sure you pulled the hose off of the exit side of the hydra-boost unit
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
With the tires I'm running I can turn my wheels while I'm parked. The power steering system is a 4 quart system. Hopefully you put mercon V ATF in it and not power steering fluid.
EDIT: what tire pressure are you running in your tires? Pressure can have a huge affect on turning
EDIT: what tire pressure are you running in your tires? Pressure can have a huge affect on turning
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 27
From: Mesa AZ
I had the same problem not too long ago. Several years prior, I noticed the pump was making some noise so I performed a fluid flush and it helped some but the noise never went away completely. I drove it like that for a long time until eventually the pump outlet clogged up so much that it couldn't pump any fluid at idle. Rev the engine up and I had pressure but none at idle.
A new pump solved the problem and the system was super quiet again....just like when the truck was new.
. I bought the replacement pump at NAPA. According to the box, the new pump has a magnetic filter inside that is supposed to help keep the internal screen from getting clogged. I don't think the OEM units have anything other than a screen (but I never cracked one open to verify...). I also replaced both pressure hoses since they were somewhat inexpensive. If you decide to replace your hoses, make sure you add some additional protection to the hose that rubs up against the back of the shock tower....that hose has been known to wear through at that point. 
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