Power steering problem 03

[trm1978]

I am having problem with my power steering. When you start to turn at slow speeds, like pulling out of the driveway. It is like power steering pump quits. I just installed ball joints about 1000 miles ago. Took it to a front end shop to check it out they said it was good. My truck is a 4x4 3500 an i do pull a fifth wheel trailer. Do you think it is my power steering pump or something else. #@$%!

 

[rbattelle]

Have you checked the steering stabilizer? It could be bent. You could test this by removing it temporarily.

But the issue probably has more to do with a failing power steering pump - there's not enough speed at idle to allow the pump to build pressure. But I'm just guessing here. You might try checking the pump pressure at idle. (Although the service manual provides no procedure for checking the pump pressure, nor any specification for idle pressure).

You're certain the pump has fluid, right?

Ryan

 

[trm1978]

Yes fluid level is good.

 

[DE Jeeper]

My truck has heavy steering when stoped on occasion. It has always done it. I don't think the pump is going bad, I just think that since it runs the hydro boost and steering that before the fluid is warm the pump is sluggish. Some times I give it a little more right foot and it helps.

Aaron

 

[hearingyourlies]

I find it on my 06, but only when I first start it and it's really cold.

 

[DFrank]

I remember reading a while back about a filter or screen that gets clogged up. I have this problem occasionally but not enough to motivate me to do anything. Should I change out the fluid or do any maintenance other than checking levels. My pump was replaced early on under warranty due to leakage.

 

[JHardwick]

In my experience, these pumps just quit with no warning. No whining, no low pressure etc, they just quit.

 

[MickeyMiller]

I don't know if it will help you, but I just changed my power steering fluid (ATF+4) and was amazed how burnt it smelled! I regularlly check fluid level and the power steering fluid stayed at a stable level and looked OK, but when I drained it, it smelled really burnt! I wish I had done it sooner, it only takes a few minutes. I guess in the future I will add 'smelling the dip stick' to my maintenance routine... .

 

[JHardwick]

I just changed my power steering fluid (ATF+4) and was amazed how burnt it smelled!

ATF+4 smells like burnt ATF+3 out of the bottle.

 

[MickeyMiller]

JHardwick,



I just went out an sniff'd my stash of ATF+4 and you are right! It does smell 'burnt' already!!! Thank you, I do feel better, but still glad I changed it.

 

[WPeschel]

Mine was leaking and while it was at the dealership back when the engine was under warranty they told me the pump needed to be replaced. . So I went and bought myself a pump from orielly and when I pulled it off I noticed it was leaking from where the resivior went onto the pump and I could have just tightened it up, but I said heck might as well replace it since I had it off already... . So I did well that pump only lasted maybe a month then it was hard to steer at stop and when slowing down, It finally got soo bad that it would do nothing both hands on the wheel and me gripping it and barely getting it to move, and I am not a small guy either 6 2 230lbs. I replaced it with another orielly pump which did the same thing only 2 months later. . Finally I went to the dealer and bought a new one from them and put it on with new hydro boost hoses and it has been doing fine now for about a year or soo, but it is also still hard turn at idle... The power steering on my 98 is way better... So if you decide to replace it just do yourself a favor and replace it with OEM...

 

[JHardwick]

when I pulled it off I noticed it was leaking from where the resivior went onto the pump and I could have just tightened it up

Mine did that when it was new, just needed re-seated.

 

[Hammy713]

Have you checked the steering stabilizer? It could be bent. You could test this by removing it temporarily.



Ryan

Any tips on removing it? This is an ignorant question so bare with me... I'm assuming the steering stabilizer is the hydraulic looking cylinder that runs horizontal in front of the front axel?



My truck pulls to the right so maybe this is my problem, I've had it aligned 3 times with no luck. It started doing so after a few experiences of the death wobble.



Sorry to high-jack the thread, but thanks.

 

[rbattelle]

Any tips on removing it? This is an ignorant question so bare with me... I'm assuming the steering stabilizer is the hydraulic looking cylinder that runs horizontal in front of the front axel?

Yes, that's correct. Should be just a couple nuts to remove it - just like removing a shock. Very simple.



Ryan