Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Power Steering & Brakes Gone

[fleahead]

Power Steering & Brakes Gone - Problem Resolved

I've noticed in very cold weather, below 20, a whining sound, almost like fluid under extreme pressure, or maybe a bearing weraing out. I never could figure out what it was or where it was coming from. After driving about 20 minutes or so it gradually would go away.



This morning it was about 0 degrees outside, and I had to move the truck. When I started it, the noise was there again. I moved it and shut the truck off. An hour later I went to move it again, but when I started it, I found I had no power steering or power brakes. No noise either. I checked the belt is OK and nothing appears to be slipping. What would effect both power steering and brakes?



*** FIXED***

I manhandled it into the garage and got my torpedo heater aimed at it and in about 10 minutes I had power steering and brake boost again! I took the advice to use SynPower PS fluid. It was easy to see why it was non-operational when it got cold. The old crap that came out of the ps pump looked like taffy. It appeared to be contaminated. Hopefully the synthetic fluid will perform when it's frigid. Supposed to be even colder tonight. Thanks to you guys that gave advice!!!!

 

[DieselDoghouse]

What would affect your P/S and P/brakes? - the infamous Hydroboost unit which I can only loosely guess due at those temps (and age?) might have blown a seal and is bypassing incoming pressure to the brake return line - hence no steering no brakes. These units operate much like a power beyond tractor hydraulic - the priority circuit is brakes where the pressure arrives first, then if not needed pressure diverts 'beyond' to the steering. BUT if the Hydro dumps pressure to the brake return line - nobody gets nada!!. Also check - are you leaking fluid at the hydroboost unit (the hydraulic looking thingy behind the master cylinder)? Cause they are also known to develop rabies and drool as they DIE!!! :-laf

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Also BTW I believe your P/S pump like mine is gear driven behind the vacuum pump? so a belt lose would not affect it, could run even with no belt on engine?!

 

[fleahead]

No leaks observed. Thanks for the info. Atleast I have someplace to start. I should mention that in the past cold weather experiences where I've heard the whining sound, it didn't appear until I touched the brake pedal.

 

[DavidC]

Have you tried Valvoline synpower?. It is a synthetic blend power steering fluid. I sucked as much fluid from the resevoir 3 times with a Turkey baster and added the synpower. No more whining in cold temps and the brakes and power steering work fine. Found it at Wal-Mart.



Dave

 

[fleahead]

No, but I'll keep that in mind. I'm presuming that my hydraboost unit is trashed, so I'm working on replacing it today.

 

[fleahead]

Wouldn't I get the same result if the power steering pump fails? From what I've gathered the hydro-boost relies on pressure from the pump to operate the brake boost, so if the ps pump goes, both ps and brake boost is gone???

 

[DavidC]

Wouldn't I get the same result if the power steering pump fails? From what I've gathered the hydro-boost relies on pressure from the pump to operate the brake boost, so if the ps pump goes, both ps and brake boost is gone???

If the PS pump went you would not have steering or brakes. I would do the fluid first (cheapest). You can check this post also as the same symptoms apply.

http://turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176494



Dave

 

[fleahead]

That's correct David, I had neither PS nor brakes. As it turns out, the ps fluid was so cold that it turned into jello and could not be pumped. The synthetic fluid did the trick.

 

[DavidC]

Glad to hear your fixed.



Dave