Vacuum pump question
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Sterling, Va
Vacuum pump question
I have to replace my vacuum pump to fix my brake pedal being like pushing against a brick wall. But i was wondering what all the vacuum pump controlled besides the brakes and hvac system.
Because as the pump has gotten worse so has my steering. when i turn the wheel in either direction sometimes it'll stick to where i have to muscle it back then it's fine again. Now whether or not it's related or my steering box is also going bad i was unsure about. i'm still learning about diesels i was more use to my old 91 5.0.
Because as the pump has gotten worse so has my steering. when i turn the wheel in either direction sometimes it'll stick to where i have to muscle it back then it's fine again. Now whether or not it's related or my steering box is also going bad i was unsure about. i'm still learning about diesels i was more use to my old 91 5.0.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,799
Likes: 104
From: Ashland City, TN
That is all it controls.
Flush out your power steering pump until fluid runs fresh.
I just pull one of the hoses and crank it manually in both directions.
It's a pita, but be careful if you pull the rubber line, the plastic can be brittle and break.
Don't use powerstearing fluid either, that stuff eats seals.
it is supposed to have ATF in it.
Flush out your power steering pump until fluid runs fresh.
I just pull one of the hoses and crank it manually in both directions.
It's a pita, but be careful if you pull the rubber line, the plastic can be brittle and break.
Don't use powerstearing fluid either, that stuff eats seals.
it is supposed to have ATF in it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 14
From: Vale, NC
Your steering problem also sounds like the bearings in there are going bad. Lots of threads on here about it. You might try shooting some lithium grease into the steering behind the cover and see if it helps. They can freeze up on you and scare the crap out of you, so it is worth trying to get that fixed. If it is just getting hard, like the PS pump is going bad, that is a different issue. But when they "catch" it can be the bearings.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi, Texas
That is all it controls.
Flush out your power steering pump until fluid runs fresh.
I just pull one of the hoses and crank it manually in both directions.
It's a pita, but be careful if you pull the rubber line, the plastic can be brittle and break.
Don't use powerstearing fluid either, that stuff eats seals.
it is supposed to have ATF in it.
Flush out your power steering pump until fluid runs fresh.
I just pull one of the hoses and crank it manually in both directions.
It's a pita, but be careful if you pull the rubber line, the plastic can be brittle and break.
Don't use powerstearing fluid either, that stuff eats seals.
it is supposed to have ATF in it.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 0
From: Sterling, Va
Thanks for the replies. I was figuring the the gear box was the problem but like I said the vacuum pump started going too an I've found out a few times the hard way that with these trucks one thing controls the other that didn't on my gasser. (Like fuel bowl heater an the PCM) that one had me stumped for an hour.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
Your gasser didn't have a vacuum pump. The engine produced vacuum. But as said, the vac pump is not your steering problem. The lubrication idea mentioned above is in reference to the steering COLUMN. All three mentioned above (gear box, column, PS fluid) could be at issue; I'd start with the fluid flush, as it's a "good measure" practice anyway.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 14
From: Vale, NC
Your gasser didn't have a vacuum pump. The engine produced vacuum. But as said, the vac pump is not your steering problem. The lubrication idea mentioned above is in reference to the steering COLUMN. All three mentioned above (gear box, column, PS fluid) could be at issue; I'd start with the fluid flush, as it's a "good measure" practice anyway.
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FOREIGN GURU
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,655
Likes: 7
From: Celaya, Gto. MX
That is all it controls.
Flush out your power steering pump until fluid runs fresh.
I just pull one of the hoses and crank it manually in both directions.
It's a pita, but be careful if you pull the rubber line, the plastic can be brittle and break.
Don't use powerstearing fluid either, that stuff eats seals.
it is supposed to have ATF in it.
Flush out your power steering pump until fluid runs fresh.
I just pull one of the hoses and crank it manually in both directions.
It's a pita, but be careful if you pull the rubber line, the plastic can be brittle and break.
Don't use powerstearing fluid either, that stuff eats seals.
it is supposed to have ATF in it.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 235
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From: Corpus Christi, Texas
(lol no, sorry if my comment came out that way I was simply saying that one can run straight ATF)
FOREIGN GURU
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,655
Likes: 7
From: Celaya, Gto. MX
Thank you.
I will change it next weekend.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,818
Likes: 1
From: Avilla, IN
I had a bad steering column bearing once. I about nailed a car in the parking garage at school. Man that scared me. I didn't have time to work on it, so I took it to a dealer. $270 for new bearings including labor.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Sterling, Va
Eh all thats alittle too much work. im planning on getting rid of the truck soon anyways. so im just fixing what absolutely needs to be fixed. Replacing the vacuum pump went great only problem was that you cant take the shroud off without taking the fan off, and that was in the way when removing the pulley.
FOREIGN GURU
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,655
Likes: 7
From: Celaya, Gto. MX
Eh all thats alittle too much work. im planning on getting rid of the truck soon anyways. so im just fixing what absolutely needs to be fixed. Replacing the vacuum pump went great only problem was that you cant take the shroud off without taking the fan off, and that was in the way when removing the pulley.