Lack of PS in the AM

[AMikonis]

It's not every day, and it's usually in cold weather, my power steering doesn't work when I first start the truck. You can sit there and idle and nothing happens, but driving about 100 yards, or even just raising the idle speed for half a minute makes it come back. Anyone experienced this? Anything bad happen later? Any thoughts? It was 3 or 4 ounces low on fluid - it does leak a little - but topping it off has no direct effect.



Andy

 

[sparks57]

What kind of PS fluid are you using?

 

[skobylenski]

Don't forget - the PS pump is run off the serpentine belt, so when the engine is at idle, the pump doesn't turn fast enough to be of much use. This happens to me sometimes, I just start driving and the PS works fine. It might have to do with oil weight or something - the thicker fluid may not be moved as well as a thinner PS fluid.



Just my $. 02,

Scott

 

[AMikonis]

I figured as much. It's just that my old truck - '92 W250 CTD - never did this...

 

[DCTECH]

The p/s pump on the diesel is underdriven(turns slower than crankshaft speed). What happens is the vanes stick in pump till engine rpm is increased. Using cold weather p/s fluid from Mopar helps condition.

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

I had this happen a few times last year with mine. Come to find out there was air in the line. Only happened when it was REALLY cold, don't know if I have it fixed yet as it hasn't been that cold yet. I did however change over to a different fluid, I think it was STP or something of the same nature. Just my . 02 Don

 

[lil red cummins]

i think dctech is right on the mark. this is common on old ps pumps



jim

 

[JLEONARD]

Lack of PS in the AM

Sorry, but this made me think "PMS in the AM"

OOOPs.

When the temp is really cold, like single digits, my PS is sluggish on the first turn. . but fine after that.

Anybody have no power brakes when it's cold?

Jay

 

[Grey Wolf]

When I first purchased my truck ('94) I noticed this condition also. It only occurred during the winter, so I did some research and found that this is normal action in the cold weather. After I start the truck and I'm ready to leave I just blip the throttle and there you go..... power steering



Sorry I don't remember the reasoning behind this, but the PS has never giving me any problems so I just put it out of my head... .....

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

FYI - the PS and vacuum pump are one unit - vacuum in front - Ps in back. They are not belt driven but are gear driven. Cummins did not go with a belt driven pump until the 3 Gen trucks. This has been a common problem with our trucks especially when the fluid in cold. Valvoline makes a synthetic PS fluid which might improve cold weather responce.



Bob

 

[skobylenski]

I stand corrected. Thanks for pointing that out Bob



Scott

 

[dpuckett]

AMikonis,

Try changing the fluid, but dont let it all leak out and put new fluid in. I put ATF in my PS pump when i got a "new" one, and it leaked. I added some PS fluid (prestone, I believe, I'd have to look under my hood where the bottle is) as the level went down. Seems to have really slowed down. Then I got to reading in the manual, dont use ATF. DUH!! When all else fails, read the directions.

Daniel