My powersteering pump or gearbox must be done, When sitting on asphalt the powersteering doesnt have the jam to turn the wheels.... Move the truck a hair, and it steers ok.... Anybody have this happen? If so.... which was it, the steering box in my truck is tight yet, and the pump is worth close to 5 bills as is the pump, so i kinda like to replace only one.....!!!

 

When you are rolling, does it seem to have a hard spot, hang up? That usually means the gearbox is shot. Now if you hear a growl or it acts like it's low on fluid, pump is done. I'm guessing you p/s pump is bad.

 

I get lots of groan when it's REALLY REALLY cold out on start up.

 

i have had that same issue...mine works just fine except real slow speeds...like trying to back up a trailer on pavement is a real p.i.t.a!

 

whines etc..... Pumps sounds normal, and as soon as you start moving it gets easier, havent had to back up a trailer BUT.... nevertheless would like to fix it.... There ISNT a hard spot or anything noticable in the steering box....

It sucks, Dont wanna dump a g-note into it to fix when chances are its only one.....

Anyway to check the powersteering pressure???

 

Yea, simply just T in a gauge anywhere possible on the high pressure side. The problem is finding that spot to T into. You will need to buy some fittings and a high pressure gauge and read it while steering the wheel. So, in short there is no good way to do it. That pump shouldn't be 500 bucks. I thought they were just sawagna pumps. Maybe not though...

 

Pumps can be had (remans from delco for $80, from Carter for less) cheap- try Rockauto.com.
Even my local shop has them for under $150.

Pull the cap off the pump and look in the res- is there fluid? With the engine running can you see evidence of the fluid moving? If you have foam or bubbles you have a leaking seal allowing air in the fluid or you are low on fluid. If you can see the fluid moving odds are it's the box.

Do you have hydro boost? Is that working? If the hydro boost is working on your brakes it gets it's power from the PS pump which means the pump is working.

 

Brakes are A-ok I would say..... No changes in braking power or predal pressure...... So that would indicate box problems....


Where i live,a jobber pump is close to 500 and a jobber box is 350.........Ill check around a little more....

 

try flushing out your power steering fluid first and go from there

 

Mine starts acting up about every two years, just remove the nut on the back of the pump where the pressure line is and clean the screen out. You'll be surprised at how well the power steering works

LIKE NEW.

GOTTA GET BACK TO MY

 

i asked this question back in 02 when i first drove the truck. i believe i was told it was the way it was supposed to be due to the variable part of system. when my truck is stationary in the sand the wheels can't be turned with the steering wheel. i've always assumed this was to prevent the power part from ripping the rest of the stuff apart. steers good in motion though.

 

My 99 does this exact thing, but my 96, no hydroboost, has no problem sitting still at an idle. I suspect it's something to do with the hydroboost being in the same circuit. I'd sure like to fid a fix for it too.
Revving the engine helps, but is not feasible at all times.

Chris