no brakes/sterring @ - temps

[Tardog]

New to TDR but old to Diesels. I been watching TDR for a couple of months now and finally subscribed ( spend alot of time on the road away from the computer). First I gotta say what a weath of information all of you bring to the Forums. I know a lot dealers that should use this forum to make services that much better. I've been driven an 6. 2 since 83 when I purchased it new and I just replaced replaced it with a 97 DC with a 5er. WOW I never new p/u's could accelerate up hill ya hoo! man what a sweet power plant.



But here's my question, I was up in northern BC where the temps were consistantly below freezing, the first morning and following mornings I fired er up I had no brakes or steering! It took about 2 min before it popped loose. It was just like there was no power assist. Once it got going you could here an audible clicking under the dash that went away and if you were parked and tapped the brakes with the wheel turned the steering wheel would move? This one truly has me puzzled. Pump was turning, belt? is tight and fluid is up. I just don't know. I pride my self on almost never going to a shop as I have done most (all)of it myself since I was old enough to carry a wrench. Please give me some ideas? Sorry for the long wind but it's a bizzare problem, Thanks in advance.

 

[H_D98]

Forgive me as I can't recall if they used a "hydra-boost" or similar system that year... if so you may want to consider using a thinner fluid... or have the fluid checked to see if it has been contaminated with something foreign (or GM) Other than that a pressure relief valve is about the only thing I can think of...



Best of luck!



Kent Siebern



Angola, IN

 

[Dieselnerd]

That's correct, '96 was the last year they used vacuum assist for brakes. Sounds like the fluid is too thick or perhaps low and the cold contracts the remaining fluid enough that it's below the minimum. There is no belt, the pump is driven directly off of the gear train.