2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Hard/slow power steering/?vacuum pump?

[Boyd]

My 02 3500 has sluggish steering. The serp belt is new and the PS reservoir is full.



I had an 01 that had a vacuum pump go bad and render my PS and brakes totally useless.



Should I just replace this pump on the 02 right now or did my 01 just have a once in a lifetime problem.



Thanks.

 

[wtrenholm]

I would be more inclined to look at the PS pump itself. Start the truck with the PS pump cap off and watch for fluid to be swirling around in the resivour. Check the fluid condition and how the brakes feel as far as assist it concerned. I just replaced the PS pump on my 98 12V that I sold and the shaft sheered off inside the PS pump. Also if your heat can change modes (floor to derfrost) the vacuum pump should be OK.



HTH

Wayne

 

[Boyd]

Thanks for the reply. I'll check these things out.

 

[nps]

The Vac pump and the PS pump are driven off a gear inside the front gear train, so the serp belt has no role to play in the PS game.



The vac pump doesn't supply any vacuum power to the hydroboost steering and power brakes, other than providing the drive shaft to the PS pump. You must have sheared the shaft on your 01. Not a common problem.



You can get more power out of the PS pump. Worked good on mine - couldn't turn the wheels at idle with both hands before, and am still able to turn lock-lock with 1 finger after. I'll find the thread and post a link.



Here's the link. Click here.