Archived puking power steering fluid

[BHubbard]

I started my truck this am,and used the steering and it puked,also no power brakes,when it gets cold the brake pedal vibrates,and the steering whines until she warms up. Sounds like vaccum pump? Will the rebuild kit from Genos fix this,or do I have a combo of problems?

My truck is a 02 24valve,4x4,175000 mi.

It just got real cold here in no. Nevada.

Now my truck wont move at all even warmed up,at least she is in the driveway.

 

[RHestand]

Good thread. I'm having the same symptoms as you, here in 0 degree N. WI, except I'm not losing fluid.

My truck is a 98-12V with 88,000 mi.

I did read a thread here on TDR a while back, about pulling a return line, cleaning a screen, and flushing the system. I'll see if I can find it.

Ray

 

[GAmes]

Your power steering and brakes are both powered by the power steering pump. The last year for vacuum assist brakes was 1996.



This might help, plus you need to research how to flush the system.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...7-possible-low-power-steering-assist-fix.html



If you decide to replace the pump, I recommend you pull the vacuum pump and PS pump as a unit. The seal between them can be found at a Cummins place for about $10. The kit includes the gasket between the vac pump and the gear case.

 

[Joe Mc]

Don't forget to use synthetic PS fluid as well after you clean the screen. It's more forgiving (stays more fluid) in the colder weather. When you do the screen cleaning - if you expand the spring a little it will help boost steering and improve brakes as well. I'm not sure if the link above has all the details or not, but I found one some time back on the TDR (I think it was the one above?) that had very specific directions and pictures showing exactly how much to expand the spring. It's been working great for me going on 2 years now.

 

[BHubbard]

I am trying to remove the steering and vaccum pumps as a unit,I have it unbolted and can't seem to remove it ,it is starting to seperate but will not pull away from the engine. Anyone have any tricks?

 

[Missouri Mule]

There is a bracket on the engine you need to take the nut off.



Instruction form 96 service manual.



"7. remove bottom inboard nut that attaches adapter to steering pump. This nut secures a smal lbracket to the engine block. Nut and bracket must be removed befroe pump assembly can be removed from block. "

 

[BHubbard]

Thanks I will find that bracket this sat. when I have time to wrench on it again,and put the assembly on my bench to work on it. Tapping on the steering pump is not the way to do it,must get service maual.

 

[BHubbard]

I took the nut off the bracket and the unit fell right off in my hands. Now the oil that I poured out was really black,so is the inside of the reservoir. I want to replace the pump,are the rebuilds from cardone any good?or is there a better source?I will replace the lines also,and try to save the gearbox, any way to flush the gearbox before I add fresh synthetic fluid?

 

[GAmes]

I went thru 3 or 4 rebuilds in less than a year from different sources. I finally bought a new OEM from Save Big @ Mopar4Less.com!! - Full Line Of Mopar Parts - . They are a dealer in NM. Be sure to ask for internet sales or they will give you the same price as your local dealer. I got really good at R & R though. :-laf

 

[BHubbard]

Exactly what I was afraid of with rebuilds. What was the price?, did you replace your lines,and get them from them? You could probably make money on this job by now.

 

[monkeyman]

If you do not bleed the PS correctly, fluid will come out of the top.
Rick

 

[GAmes]

I had previously replaced the lines because they had started oozing ps fluid. I wouldn't replace them for any other reason.



Before you replace your pump it isn't a big deal to try the procedure in the link on post #3. I did that successfully. My original pump didn't wear out until I had nearly a half million on it. To flush the system the turkey baster method also works.

 

[BHubbard]

I will bleed it right,I have been searching for that info also. The fact is I do not think the fluid has ever been flushed in it's life. I am still searching for the correct parts and info. , before I put her back together.

 

[GAmes]

Here's a link for the turkey baster method. Post #2

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...-1998-5-2002/197376-power-steering-fluid.html

 

[BHubbard]

I just pulled out the regulator and it was very clogged up,I pulled off the screen nut assembly,inside is another smaller spring and valve and was all gunked up.

I tore the screen out of the nut to delete it,and will install a filter in the return low pressure line to replace it.

I will clean everything up and re-install the unit to see if I can drive it around safely,without replacing any parts yet.

I looked at the oil seal between the vacuum pump adaptor and steering pump. And checked out threads on the oil leak and the $60 re -seal kit's.

I will put her back together clean and see what happens,using only a filter.

After checking out prices for even rebuilt parts,it seems like a waste.

I like the agr rock ram system so far. After nearly 200k mi,why not,only a couple hundred more than buying all the same re-built parts from any auto parts shop. And maby help the front end problems,another thread.

 

[monkeyman]

I have the Rock Ram and love it. 40,000 miles and going well
Rick

 

[BHubbard]

I got my truck on the road yesterday evening,I had more time than money on this repair,

and I want to thank everyone,glad that I am a member.

So after sleeping on everyones input ,I decided to only clean my pump screen,and flush out the pump. I did not re-seal the vacuum pump,or replace any gaskets or rings.

So far 60mi,so good,no signs of a leak yet. I jacked up the front end and bled the system,using clear Valvoline fluid,then susked out some more black fluid with a baster.

I did not want to use a filter yet in fear that it would clog soon,instead I will drain/flush it again(maby clean the screen,its easy to do after everythings cleaned up,installed on the truck)

I know this may be a temp. fix,we will see,

I want to save my beans for a rock ram system.

I hope this helps others in this situation! Clean the screen when you flush your steering fluid!