Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Steering on '01

[Devil Black Diesel]

I have almost 200K on my truck and i've been intermittently loosing my power steering lately while idling at slow speeds. My steering wheel will freeze up and then a couple seconds later it will snap back and I'll have steering again...

1. What is going bad on my truck and how much will it cost to fix it?

2. Could I possibly lose power steering at high speeds?? if yes, it could cause an accident and kill me/others because when the steering goes out I can't turn the wheel.

Let me know what I'm up against.

thanks

 

[RAJohnson]

Have you checked your fluids? Have you ever changed your PS fluid? Any noticeable leaks? Did you use the right type of fluid? Do you run oversized tires? Has this just come on or has it been coming on slowly over time? With the front end jacked-up position the steering wheel in the straight ahead position, now count the steering wheel revolutions From the center or straight ahead position, they should be the same from left to right. And now from lock to lock full left to full right count those as well.

 

[mroodzant]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...mission-discussions/228126-hard-steering.html

Check this thread. maybe similar problem

 

[Devil Black Diesel]

Have you checked your fluids? Have you ever changed your PS fluid? Any noticeable leaks? Did you use the right type of fluid? Do you run oversized tires? Has this just come on or has it been coming on slowly over time? With the front end jacked-up position the steering wheel in the straight ahead position, now count the steering wheel revolutions From the center or straight ahead position, they should be the same from left to right. And now from lock to lock full left to full right count those as well.

I don't have any noticeable leaks and will have fluid replaced soon. i replaced the fluid about a year ago and it hadn't been changed in a long time. This problem with the steering wheel locking has happened a few times before. It's definitely not tire rub or anything, but it does have a leveler kit in the front with 35" toyos and stock rims. It definitely feels like hydraulics are the issue, I can feel it vibrating the wheel.

I have a feeling the pump is going out, but I hear there are two components of my steering that could be causing the problem... one is more difficult to replace than the other? If I change fluid and the problem persists, where do I look next?

Thanks

 

[cerberusiam]

More than likely the steering box is the problem if it is intermittent. If your brakes are good all the time and stepping on the brakes does not effect the steering the pump is probably good.



The 2nd gen steering boxes were problematic and the big ties just accelerate the problem. Take a look at Genos Garage and see the upgraded Borgeson steering box for a solution. The hydro boost systems are pretty good and expensive to replace.