temporary power steering loss after hard braking

[RussellSullivan]

2001 with 6 speed manual transmission. 320,000 miles. new PS pump and gear at 275,000 miles.
After braking hard (not nearly skidding hard) my power steering quit. I stopped and checked the belt and PS fluid and both were fine. Full PS reservoir and no leaks. I let the truck sit for about 10 minutes and started it and the PS was fine again.I drove 5 miles home (carefully) with no problem. I'm at a loss.
Hope you can help.
Thanks
Russell

 

[DavidC]

Maybe the screen at the pump partially clogged. I believe it is at the pump where the return line is.

 

[GAmes]

Please forgive my ignorance. Isn't the power steering pump driven by the vacuum pump in an '01 just the same as a 12 valve?

 

[BigPapa]

Welcome to the TDR, Russell.

Just an FYI, your Power Steering Pump is not belt driven, but is driven off the Vacuum Pump which is gear driven.

Treed by Gary....

 

[GAmes]

Thanks Scott. That points me to a couple questions. #1; is the "new" power steering pump actually new or a parts house rebuild? #2; When you replaced it did you drain and flush the old power steering fluid?

 

[RussellSullivan]

Thanks for the replies.
Yes the pump is driven by the vacuum pump.
The pump and gear were purchased at Napa and were mosst likely rebuilds. Yes I did flush the system.
Assuming that a screen got clogged, would I be best off to replace both pump and gear with new (not rebuilt), and flush the system? Or is that overkill at for right now?
I'll draw an ATF sample from the pump reservoir tomorrow and see how contaminated it might be.
Russell

 

[GAmes]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/possible-low-power-steering-assist-fix.69047/ The pictures are re entered on the last page.

Pump and gear were replaced? What gear? Assuming the NAPA pump is a lifetime warranty you could replace it but removing the screen and cleaning it is less work. The 11mm cap to get the screen off is a bit difficult. I put mine in a vice and judiciously tightened the jaws until the the cap boke free. I recommend you switch to synthetic power steering fluid. ATF is the wrong liquid in mine and probably in yours as well.

As an FYI, the Saginaw pumps have been in production with little to no change for over 50 years. I have one on my '67 Chev. The parts house ones are unreliable. I went through five in one year before biting the bullet and getting a new one. I did get very good at changing them, one in the rain in a rest stop parking lot.

 

[RussellSullivan]

Thank you GAmes,
I like to save money. I’ll remove the pump and clean the screen, flush and refill with ATF4.
And I’ll post the results.
R

 

[GAmes]

No need to remove the pump. Just disconnect the pressure line (there WILL be drainage so be prepared) then remove the big fitting that goes into the pump. IIRC it is 1 inch. Pay attention to the order of disassembly.

 

[GAmes]

Check your owners manual and/or service manual. As mentioned, I don't think ATF is the correct fluid.

 

[DavidC]

Check your owners manual and/or service manual. As mentioned, I don't think ATF is the correct fluid.

It's power steering fluid in my 99. At the time valvoline was made and that's what's in it. I think Red Line ? has been a favorite.

 

[GAmes]

I use Red Line with good results.

 

[RussellSullivan]

I use Red Line with good results.

I removed the pressure hose and checked the screen and springs. All were very clean. No debris. Much easier than removing the pump.
You are correct. My shop manual specifies power steering fluid. I’ll make the 90 mile trip to town and get plenty to flush and fill.

 

[SSage]

Royal Purple power steering fluid worked good for me in my 2nd gen early on, but the ATF +4 cost less. My 3rd gen had ATF as the factory fill so I just stayed with it. I like something synthetic for cold weather. ATF +4 or an equivalent works fine in my power steering pumps. Haven't had one fail yet!

 

[GAmes]

The screen clogs from the inside so it might look clean and still have something blocking it. I recommend you remove it. Be careful of the little spring and ball that is inside.

 

[RussellSullivan]

The screen clogs from the inside so it might look clean and still have something blocking it. I recommend you remove it. Be careful of the little spring and ball that is inside.

no I’m

The screen clogs from the inside so it might look clean and still have something blocking it. I recommend you remove it. Be careful of the little spring and ball that is inside.

The screen clogs from the inside so it might look clean and still have something blocking it. I recommend you remove it. Be careful of the little spring and ball that is inside.

 

[RussellSullivan]

no I’m

 

[RussellSullivan]

Well, I’m trying to learn how to use this forum!
Anyway, after cleaning the screen and check valve and adding fluid and going through the Dodge air purge sequence I started the truck.
No power steering. And yes I put the springs and ball and pin back in properly.
I loosened the pressure line fitting at the hydro boost, started the engine. No pressure causing a leak there.
I’ll take the pump off one day soon and hope I only need a new one.
Thanks
R

 

[GAmes]

I hate it when things don't go as planned. Is it possible you installed the piston backward?

 

[RussellSullivan]

I hate it when things don't go as planned. Is it possible you installed the piston backward?

I hate it when things don't go as planned. Is it possible you installed the piston backward?