Steering Getting VERY Difficult
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Texas
Steering Getting VERY Difficult
Alright, so I know our steering on these trucks isn't the best, but mine seems to be getting progressively worse. It's now getting difficult to turn even when the truck is in motion, such as pulling through a parking lot. Is my pump taking a dump or do I need to flush my system? Fluid is full, but dark. There is no noise coming from the pump, so I am not sure where to begin as far as diagnosing. Thanks!
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,807
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From: Colorado Springs
Byron, Maybe the truck found out you intend to move to Kommeifornia...and said, "Not if I have anything to say about it"! 
Sounds like your pump died. If you open PS reservoir cover with truck running do you see an cavitation? What about when someone tries to turn the wheel if you have it on idle does it stop when you try to turn the wheel? If you don't see any cavitation or it stops it's your pump. Your brakes may also feel very soft and ineffective because the pump helps with braking too.
Sounds like your pump died. If you open PS reservoir cover with truck running do you see an cavitation? What about when someone tries to turn the wheel if you have it on idle does it stop when you try to turn the wheel? If you don't see any cavitation or it stops it's your pump. Your brakes may also feel very soft and ineffective because the pump helps with braking too.
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Texas
Ahhahahahahahaha.....fuuuuuuuu***** yeah! I am still illiterate when it comes to power steering on these things.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
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id start with a flush homeslice. Ive been using the S.T. MercV from Wallyworld. Doesnt hurt the piggy that much...ive got the fitting for pressure line that connects to the hydroboost. Only took me that 1 time for that line to pop on me to realize, there has to be a better way..so, im looking into having a braided line with AN fittings made from pump to boost..anutha member already had it done for same reason. Wouldnt want that to "go" if towing, coming down cajon
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: SoCal
I towed my boat down Cajon Pass, parked it and went to bed. The next day while putting the boat away, I lost all steering when the tie rod end broke at the pitman arm. After that, I went to hydraulic ram assist to ensure that NEVER happens again! Now, I can steer with one finger at a dead stop, with my foot on the brakes, with 35s.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: DFW, Texas
I towed my boat down Cajon Pass, parked it and went to bed. The next day while putting the boat away, I lost all steering when the tie rod end broke at the pitman arm. After that, I went to hydraulic ram assist to ensure that NEVER happens again! Now, I can steer with one finger at a dead stop, with my foot on the brakes, with 35s.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,793
Likes: 50
Yup, you got lucky. Never had seen any vehicle in the runaway gravel ramp. Hope i never use it.. Mine bladted doing a u-turn in newport. I had just got back from mammoth that prior wkend....gotta link to that system? Im definitely "grern" when it comes to this stuff
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: DFW, Texas
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Texas
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: SW ON, Canada
Alright, so I know our steering on these trucks isn't the best, but mine seems to be getting progressively worse. It's now getting difficult to turn even when the truck is in motion, such as pulling through a parking lot. Is my pump taking a dump or do I need to flush my system? Fluid is full, but dark. There is no noise coming from the pump, so I am not sure where to begin as far as diagnosing. Thanks!
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
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From: Lake Hartwell, GA
As for the hydraulic ram assist that Brad and Akcooper9 have, I plan to go that route if/when I need another steering gear.
I have had steering gear failures in the past, most of you know that by now. The current parts store one is doing well so far, but I keep an eye on it for leaking and what not. If it does start to leak or show signs of failing, off it comes and goes to TX for a big re-work.
Byron, I sent you a text detailing the steps I would take if I were in your position. Post them here if you like or shoot me a text back and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Keep us posted.
I have had steering gear failures in the past, most of you know that by now. The current parts store one is doing well so far, but I keep an eye on it for leaking and what not. If it does start to leak or show signs of failing, off it comes and goes to TX for a big re-work.
Byron, I sent you a text detailing the steps I would take if I were in your position. Post them here if you like or shoot me a text back and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Keep us posted.