Power Steering Pump issues
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 152
Likes: 1
From: Darrington, WA
Power Steering Pump issues
Ok Guys you always have the answers so I'll ask before I spend a bunch of money and end up frustrated. I did look in the searches first but didn't have the time to read all 348 of them.
160,000 miles
My power steering pump is starting to groan when turning. From the prior posts, seem many have problems at low rpm's. I notice this turning into the parking lot and parking so I guess I am at a low rpm but it turns ok, just groans. I thought I was low on fluid but checking the stick it was full. I gave it a bit anyway, seems like it quieted a bit but the noise is still there. The fluid looks dirty should it be changed? I don't remember ever having a p/s pump go out on me. Is this the early signs of a pump going south or is it something else in the system. I read something about the fluid going through a boost pump also? Any help would be greatly appriciated, someone said the stealer quote them $450, rather not spend that much on a pump. Thanks
160,000 miles
My power steering pump is starting to groan when turning. From the prior posts, seem many have problems at low rpm's. I notice this turning into the parking lot and parking so I guess I am at a low rpm but it turns ok, just groans. I thought I was low on fluid but checking the stick it was full. I gave it a bit anyway, seems like it quieted a bit but the noise is still there. The fluid looks dirty should it be changed? I don't remember ever having a p/s pump go out on me. Is this the early signs of a pump going south or is it something else in the system. I read something about the fluid going through a boost pump also? Any help would be greatly appriciated, someone said the stealer quote them $450, rather not spend that much on a pump. Thanks
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,884
Likes: 180
From: Morgan Hill, CA
What you want to do is get 3 qts of Synthetic ATF and at least a 4 foot section of 3/8 fuel line. First pull the "low pressure" return line from the hydrobooster connected to the brake master cylinder. It's the one with the sheetmetal hose clamp on it and it runs to the top of the pump reservoir, not a threaded connection. Then push one end of your fuel line on and put the other end over the fender and into a bucket. Bucket seems to work well if it's white because it allows you to see when your brown fluid stops pumping out and good new red fluid comes out. Basically have someone start the truck and turn the wheels back and forth slowly as you keep the pump reservoir full. Also have your assistant pump the brakes gently but firmly to get that old fluid out as well. When new red ATF starts coming out, put the return hose back on and get the fluid level right.
The next few nights, alternate between leaving the steering wheel turned all the way to one side. The other night crank it the other way. This will help all the tiny little air bubbles get out of the system.
This helped mine out a lot when I did it at 150,000. I recently did the ball joints at 175,000 and it made an even bigger difference.
The next few nights, alternate between leaving the steering wheel turned all the way to one side. The other night crank it the other way. This will help all the tiny little air bubbles get out of the system.
This helped mine out a lot when I did it at 150,000. I recently did the ball joints at 175,000 and it made an even bigger difference.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 374
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From: Ridgecrest, CA
The power steering system doesn't take that much fluid. I think he recommended the 3 quarts so as to flush any old fluid out with the new fluid. I liked his idea as well. As far as a noisy pump goes, this flush will probably take care of it. The main reason I've rebuilt pumps is for a leaking front seal. There's not a whole lot to go wrong with the pump except a worn shaft sleeve bearing or leaking seal.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,884
Likes: 180
From: Morgan Hill, CA
If you haven't done your ball joints yet, that may be causing some problems as well. I just did mine and it made a bigger difference than changing the fluid in the steering system. The new fluid helps noticeably though. I'm ready to do it again. It's starting to look more like root beer than grenadine. The flush will take about 2 quarts, but get 3 to be sure. For our trucks it's nice to have a dozen quarts of it laying around anyway since it's used in the transfer case and six speed trannys.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 152
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From: Darrington, WA
Fat Diesel thanks again for the reply, I should have read your first post more closely and I would have noticed you said 3 qts. I will do it this weekend. How much did you have to give for the ball joints and are they at the local parts stores or a stealer item. The front wheel bearings are stealer only it you haven't done those yet.Roaky81, thanks also, mine isn't leaking that I noticed but where do you get the rebuild kits from? I did have a p/s hose blow once while it was under warranty still but the stealer fixed that. Are there any special tools needed to rebuild the pump? Thanks again.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 374
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From: Ridgecrest, CA
I haven't rebuilt a PSD p/s pump, but I'm sure the design hasn't changed over the last 30+ years. You'll need a pulley puller and flare nut wrenches (when removing the high pressure line, hold the housing nut and use the flare nut wrench on the tubing nut). I get my rebuild kits (with the bushing) at any good auto parts store (Big A, Napa, etc). The input shaft bushing can be driven out with a correct size socket (I use Craftsman, cause I won't afford the other brands and will use the lifetime warranty). The housing is usually tough to remove from the pump assembly, make sure all bolts are off (especially the high pressure inlet bolt). The back cover of the pump has an internal snap ring and there's a hole that you can push the spring in and remove. Just pay attention on disassembly and you'll see how basic it is.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,884
Likes: 180
From: Morgan Hill, CA
I got all my parts from Powerstrokeshop dotcom. A guy named Chris. I got MOOG greasable ball joints, hub bearing assy's, seals, Performance Friction rotors and pads, new bearing assy studs, etc. I also "upgraded" LOL to the later geometry hubs and rotors so they're easier to replace in a hurry. Mine is an early 99 and had a slightly different geometry in the hub-rotor interface, but is now like a 99.5+. Not sure what I paid for everything, but ball joints should be around 25-30 each I would think. I bought the whole kit.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: New Hampshire
Originally Posted by Scruffy
Ok Guys you always have the answers so I'll ask before I spend a bunch of money and end up frustrated. I did look in the searches first but didn't have the time to read all 348 of them.
160,000 miles
My power steering pump is starting to groan when turning. From the prior posts, seem many have problems at low rpm's. I notice this turning into the parking lot and parking so I guess I am at a low rpm but it turns ok, just groans. I thought I was low on fluid but checking the stick it was full. I gave it a bit anyway, seems like it quieted a bit but the noise is still there. The fluid looks dirty should it be changed? I don't remember ever having a p/s pump go out on me. Is this the early signs of a pump going south or is it something else in the system. I read something about the fluid going through a boost pump also? Any help would be greatly appriciated, someone said the stealer quote them $450, rather not spend that much on a pump. Thanks
160,000 miles
My power steering pump is starting to groan when turning. From the prior posts, seem many have problems at low rpm's. I notice this turning into the parking lot and parking so I guess I am at a low rpm but it turns ok, just groans. I thought I was low on fluid but checking the stick it was full. I gave it a bit anyway, seems like it quieted a bit but the noise is still there. The fluid looks dirty should it be changed? I don't remember ever having a p/s pump go out on me. Is this the early signs of a pump going south or is it something else in the system. I read something about the fluid going through a boost pump also? Any help would be greatly appriciated, someone said the stealer quote them $450, rather not spend that much on a pump. Thanks
About 2 cents worth here.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 152
Likes: 1
From: Darrington, WA
I plan on changing the fluid first maybe later today. I appriciate the other input and will keep it in mind for a later plan of attack if the fluid change doesn't work. I will post the results of the fluid flush when I git er done.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Originally Posted by Scruffy
I plan on changing the fluid first maybe later today. I appriciate the other input and will keep it in mind for a later plan of attack if the fluid change doesn't work. I will post the results of the fluid flush when I git er done.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,438
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From: New Hampshire
Originally Posted by SpringerPop
Nut,
It interests ME! (See my sig.
) What would you suggest, size-wise? Location?
Pop
It interests ME! (See my sig.
) What would you suggest, size-wise? Location?Pop
Deisel inovations carry's one i'm considering myself...i'm a filtering Nut.
http://www.dieselinnovations.com/di....products&cat=8
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 152
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From: Darrington, WA
Well I got around to changing the P/S fluid this morning. Cycled about 3 1/2 qts through it. It is coming out pretty clear but still has a pinkish tint to it from the old fluid but it's not near as dark as it was. From what I can tell the pump isn't groaning like it was. I like the idea of the filter I may have to look into that. For now though looks like problem solved, once again you guys came through, thanks Now if you can help the Seattle Seahawks make it to the super bowl I'll be real happy. Merry Christmas All!
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Originally Posted by Scruffy
Well I got around to changing the P/S fluid this morning. Cycled about 3 1/2 qts through it. It is coming out pretty clear but still has a pinkish tint to it from the old fluid but it's not near as dark as it was. From what I can tell the pump isn't groaning like it was. I like the idea of the filter I may have to look into that. For now though looks like problem solved, once again you guys came through, thanks Now if you can help the Seattle Seahawks make it to the super bowl I'll be real happy. Merry Christmas All!
