"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
02/28/2020 at 10:58 • Filed to: Old truck problems
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"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
02/28/2020 at 10:58 • Filed to: Old truck problems | 0
| 36 |
So, for the last few months I could tell that my steering was a little stiff at low speeds. It felt like I had a low front tire, but I didn’t. This morning it was really stiff backing out of the driveway, but was fine by the time I got to work (engine warm). It seemed like the pump may have been groaning a little more than normal. The fluid level is spot-on. I’m thinking my power steering pump is going bad. Any other thoughts or ideas? Anything else I should check?
RallyMetro picture (with manual steering!) for your time.
Censored
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 11:09 |
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Have you tried changing the fluid? If it is getting better with temp (thinning out) the old fluid may just be sludged up. Probably worth a try for $5 and 15 minutes over changing the pump.
vondon302
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 11:14 |
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Condensation in fluid maybe? Water froze and made it hard to turn. Warmed up and thawed out? Maybe? I’m just guessing here.
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shop-teacher
> Censored
02/28/2020 at 11:16 |
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I haven’t, but that’s a great idea!
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shop-teacher
> vondon302
02/28/2020 at 11:17 |
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Possibly. I guess I should try changing the fluid. Definitely worth a shot.
Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 11:20 |
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In what vehicle? I just replaced the PS pump in the'97 Safari after (I'm assuming) 22 years and 240k miles.
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shop-teacher
> Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
02/28/2020 at 11:23 |
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2006 GMC Sierra, with 149k miles.
66P1800inpieces
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 11:29 |
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Check for the proper process. For my 08 Acura the process involves removing the return line, I think starting the car pump till empty and refill reservoir a couple of times (I might be a little off on that). 99 Golf, manual is OMG don’t let it run dry! For that one, raise car on jack stands, with carr off for the whole process you put extra hose on the return, then turn wheel almost lock to lock. There is a one way valve so as you turn the wheel it will pump out fluid. Watch as the level lowers and top up often, never letting it run dry.
Also, make sure to use the right fluid, and for the amount needed OEM is probably your best bet. Some use transmission fluid, others power steering fluid, and they can be very different.
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Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 11:32 |
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Now with new bumper? If you change the PS fluid, maybe refill with Dex VI because full synthetic.
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66P1800inpieces
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 11:32 |
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Also check the fluid to see if it is aerated . On the Acura they are notorius for a return line O-ring letting in bits of air that can seem like a bad pump but it is a $1 fix. Not sure the set up on your car.
I Will Always Be The Honey Badger
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 11:38 |
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Try jacking the front end up and moving the wheels by hand with the engine off. If you can’t push them around, the steering box might be at fault.
If it gets easier to steer with some RPM, it’s probably the pump.
Also, I’ve seen various steering systems that have a crack or loose hose on the return/pump supply side of circuit and end up sucking a wee bit of air into the system. Even on ones that didn’t have a noticeable leak.
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Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 11:51 |
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When I was in the Army, I was responsible for a couple of five-ton trucks with tank-and-pump units on the back. A pair of 600-gallon tanks and a pump unit that was slaved off the truck’s electrical system. I was in Germany and it got cold and I’d been lazy and the filter/separator was full of slush because I’d never drained it. We had a big inspection and I had fancy red fire barrels and other spiffy safety gear around, and I kept the general from brushing against one of the barrels which still had wet paint on it and my fuel handler and I got Army Achievement Medals for having such bueno equipment. (Now, it happens that the woman from Division HQ who was inspecting the paperwork, we took directly to a warm office and plied her with hot cocoa and my fuel handler, who actually held the MOS for the job, showed the inspector a lot of very neat and entirely fabricated paperwork...)
So we both got AAMs and our equipment was broken because laziness and the trucks wouldn’t even start. That’s the Army.
The idea of your PS system having slush in it reminded me of this story.
I don’t know how you’d test your pump, though. Changing out the fluid couldn’t hurt.
MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick)
> Censored
02/28/2020 at 11:58 |
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I never thought of this, neat thank you.
Jason Spears
> 66P1800inpieces
02/28/2020 at 12:01 |
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This was my first thought. Check hoses, fittings, o-rings, etc.
Darkbrador
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 12:04 |
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Most likely the pump going bad. My same era Sierra pump went bad at about the same mileage, it’s a cheap and simple and quick repair, the pump is easily accessible.
MM54
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 12:33 |
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How old’s the fluid? I’d start with changing it out.
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shop-teacher
> MM54
02/28/2020 at 12:47 |
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Pretty old. A few people suggested that. It’s definitely worth trying.
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shop-teacher
> Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
02/28/2020 at 12:48 |
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The upper half is new. I’m going to reuse the old urethane lower half, but I for now I’m just rocking it half-done.
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shop-teacher
> Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
02/28/2020 at 12:50 |
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Ha!
Yeah, changing the fluid is definitely worth a try.
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shop-teacher
> I Will Always Be The Honey Badger
02/28/2020 at 12:52 |
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The truck is actually rack and pinion, believe it or not. I’ve had the rack replaced once, but that was 50k miles ago, so that could be the culprit.
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Censored
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 13:03 |
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In my experience, gm pumps are pretty reliable, as long as the fluid is good.
Here is a good how to
Jesus Arias
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 13:46 |
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On the topic of power-steering I am certain that my car has an issue as well. When I tur n the wheel fast it makes a clicking noise.
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shop-teacher
> Jesus Arias
02/28/2020 at 13:59 |
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In the steering wheel itself?
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Jesus Arias
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 14:02 |
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It sounds like it. I haven’ t been turning i t fast because I feel like it might mess up. One of my acquaintances thinks its the power steering pump.
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Censored
> Jesus Arias
02/28/2020 at 14:19 |
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If you are feeling a clicking or clunk in the wheel, its likely that it is one of the U joints on the steering shaft. Could be a simple as something leaned against it that shouldn’t be. Trace the steering shaft from the firewall to the rack and see if there is any excessive play or debris in one of them.
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shop-teacher
> Censored
02/28/2020 at 14:24 |
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Thanks for the link. I liked that video, it’s straightforward and well edited. No BS.
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shop-teacher
> Jesus Arias
02/28/2020 at 14:26 |
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If it sounds like it’s in the steering wheel, then I don’t think it’s the pump. What kind of vehicle is it? My dad had a Chevy truck years ago that would do that, but it did it from new and nothing ever seemed amiss.
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I Will Always Be The Honey Badger
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 14:37 |
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Indeed they are. Brain fart on my part. I even have an ‘05 1500 of my own.
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Jesus Arias
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 14:40 |
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Its a 1999 Pontiac Firebird TransAm
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Jesus Arias
> Censored
02/28/2020 at 14:40 |
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I will check when I get home.
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Censored
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 15:04 |
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ChrisFix is usually a pretty good resource for automotive processes.
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Censored
> 66P1800inpieces
02/28/2020 at 15:06 |
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That’s not going to be the problem as it gets better as he drives. If it were aerating, the problem would get worse as you drive and be best when you first start out.
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Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 15:06 |
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You know, if it were my truck, I’d probably just swap out the PS pump. I’d look for an AC Delco part... I don’t know what engine you have, but an AC Delco PS pump on Rock Auto looks to be about $85. I don’t really mind throwing parts at my cars given what I save in labor by installing them myself.
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shop-teacher
> Jesus Arias
02/28/2020 at 15:31 |
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My dad’s truck was a ‘95. We could never tell if it was the trim around the column where it met the steering wheel, or the clock spring at the base of the wheel, or what.
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shop-teacher
> Censored
02/28/2020 at 15:32 |
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I’ve heard of ChrisFix before, but this is the first one I’ve actually watched. It definitely won’t be the last.
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shop-teacher
> Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
02/28/2020 at 15:33 |
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I’m going to try changing the fluid this weekend, because I can do that really quick despite winter being back in full effect.
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Jesus Arias
> shop-teacher
02/28/2020 at 15:56 |
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I mean I doubt its the steering column because it has the same column as a 1988 TransAm (my dad owns one) and it doesnt make the clicking noise.