2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Is my Power steering pump dying

[ketchumj]

Greetings-



For the past couple of years, my power steering randomly gets very weak and usually happens when I am pulling into a parking space. This causes a great deal of horsing the steering wheel to avoid taking out any nearby vehicles. This all started after a crazy hunting trip requiring multiple trips through mud infested roads and one time the engine made a wierd howling-screeching noise that stopped whine when I slammed on the brake pedal with the transmission in park. If it is the PS pump, how hard is that to change out, and is there an aftermarket version that is recommended by the guru's here at TDR?



Thanks-



Jän

 

[McCRam]

I just changed the fluid in my power steering pump. I was surprised to find my steering effort was reduced drastically. The brakes even work better. The stuff I took out of there looked liked really dirty atf, which is not the proper fluid for power steeering. I hope it is something simple. I don't think it is that bad of a job to replace, just looks hard to get to.

 

[trqmnstr]

What is the proper fluid for the PS pump?

 

[ketchumj]

What is the proper fluid for the PS pump?

What I have seen on the boards using the search function is that many people use the Valvoline Semi-Synthetic PS fluid Found at Wal Mart, AutoZone, etc. .



I just hope that is the problem I am having - I am going to try to suck out as much of the old and put in the new stuff.

 

[rweis]

Valvoline Semi-Synthetic PS is what I have been changing mine out with. I get out as much as I can, then refill with the Valvoline. I do this once every couple of months and will continue to do so until I get all the fluid to be clean.



Recently I got a MityVac and can get about 20 ounces at a time (ie MUCH more than the turkey baster method). I generally do it when I am doing other maintenance under the hood.



Good luck,



Bob Weis

 

[ketchumj]

I just used my MightVac to pull about 2 1/2 of those cups full - it was the color of Coca Cola - the new stuff is clear - will see how long it takes to flush the whole system

 

[McCRam]

I used valvoline in mine as well. It has taken two quarts so far in mine, and will probably take a third. Good luck

 

[mgoncalves]

On my last power steering pump replacement (under warranty) they flushed the rest of the system with atf +4, and said to use that if I ever got low.





Dunno if that's correct or not, but that's what they did.



Matt

 

[Dane]

Do a search on PS pumps and you will find there is a screen that clogs at one of the connections of pump and hose. This seems to be the most common cause of what you describe.

 

[budctdca]

I had some problems with my power steering, so I used some lucas oil power steering stuff, and it worked wonders. you can actually use dexron/mercron or atf+4, or use just generic p/s fluid, its pretty close to the same thing. oh ya, you can get a replacement screen from most good parts stores. good luck

 

[emmettcrocker]

There is a procedure in the service manual for flushing the power steering system it involves removing the return lines at the pump and pluging the resivor then runing the engine while keeping the resivor filled until a couple of quarts have have been pumped thru the system then reconnecting lines and servicing as required. It wouldn't hurt to have the tires off the ground and turning the wheel stop to stop and repeatedly applying the brakes at the same time. Takes two people.

 

[Kirwin]

Becareful the trucks haven't always used ATF for power steering fluid

The 3rd gen trucks all use AFT+4. The 2nd gen trucks however did not use ATF for several years. Check you owners manual or the TSB page as there were some changes over the years. If memory serves, I think the Hydro Boost system didn't use ATF either but I can't get to my service manual right now. Now I can't tell you if it really makes any difference but that Hydro Boost master cylinder I bet isn't cheap if you mess up the seals in it. IMHO Ken irwin