2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Power steering loss

[wlm]

I lost power steering on a -20 morning 2weeks ago when i started my 2000 truck. Fluid was leaking out the pump where it goes into the vac pump. I removed the pump and found one of the mounting ears was broke on the vac pump. Installed both parts, a new vac pump and a rebuilt ps pump. Fired it up and had vacuum but no steering. Took the ps pump back off and bench tested it with a drill and it didn't pump. Tried another rebuilt pump on the bench again and it won't pump fluid as well. What am I missing, checking the pump this way should work or did I get two junk rebuilt ps pumps? If the hydra boost is bad would I still not have steering?

 

[mweiman]

Try jacking the front end up and with the engine off crank the wheel from lock to lock about 20 times. Let it sit 5 minutes and do it again. This should bleed all the air out.
Matt

 

[Woodenhead]

Curious, how many miles on the truck when the vacuum pump tabs sheared? Sounds like it needs to be bled, I don't have much experience with this though (sorry).

 

[NIsaacs]

Are you turning it the right direction with your drill?

Nick

 

[wlm]

165,000, the break was fresh so it happened that morning.
I moved the truck into the shed with the first new pump and the steering was still gone. Ill try the bleed method suggested above.

 

[wlm]

I'm pretty sure it turns ccw, but I tried both directions. It just doesn't seem right that it wont pump the reservior out manually running the pump. Thought maybe there was some check valve I was missing?

 

[Woodenhead]

I'm pretty sure it turns ccw, but I tried both directions. It just doesn't seem right that it wont pump the reservior out manually running the pump. Thought maybe there was some check valve I was missing?

My 12Valve turns CW looking at the end of the shaft I would imagine yours is the same, they use the same pump.

 

[CM_Guest]

It probably had enough moisture in the fluid to freeze it solid and snap the drive when the pump wouldn't turn. I'd flush the whole steering box and start over with new fluid.

 

[Woodenhead]

It probably had enough moisture in the fluid to freeze it solid and snap the drive when the pump wouldn't turn. I'd flush the whole steering box and start over with new fluid.

More than likely the tang was on its last leg and the heavier, cold fluid finished it off.

 

[wlm]

Got it together tonight, jacked it up and turned steering wheel. I got steering back. Now I just need to flush and bleed the system and hopefully I'll be back in business.
The drive tang was still intact, so I'm thinking the pump shaft broke.

 

[Woodenhead]

I misread your first post and thought mounting ears was drive tab. Oops, sorry to drag things a bit astray.