Power Steering issues
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 2
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From: Calgary
Power Steering issues
Hi everyone,
im new to this forum so please excuse my ignorance! We recently had cold weather here in Calgary(-30-35) and my power steering locked up. We researched on the internet and it said the fluid was cold and to run the engine, 45 minutes later... nothing. At this point the fluid was foamy red/brown in color. Flushed the system via the reservoir and bled the system of air, wheels off the ground and turning left to right 12 times (key on engine off)This seemed to free up the steering with a little stiffness right before lock(both sides) and centre. When the vehicle is started again the steering gets tight and fluid comes out the reservoir cap. I checked the high pressure and return lines and fluid flows no problem. Recently we found metal shavings on the cap, so I’m assuming the pump is shot! There are no external leaks from the pump, rack or any hoses. The rack makes no noise and the pump howls right at start up for about 30 seconds and the fluid level is at proper level. The serpentine belt is new and the idler was replaced. Any suggestions would be helpful.
vehicle is a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 with 4.8L V8
thanks in advance
im new to this forum so please excuse my ignorance! We recently had cold weather here in Calgary(-30-35) and my power steering locked up. We researched on the internet and it said the fluid was cold and to run the engine, 45 minutes later... nothing. At this point the fluid was foamy red/brown in color. Flushed the system via the reservoir and bled the system of air, wheels off the ground and turning left to right 12 times (key on engine off)This seemed to free up the steering with a little stiffness right before lock(both sides) and centre. When the vehicle is started again the steering gets tight and fluid comes out the reservoir cap. I checked the high pressure and return lines and fluid flows no problem. Recently we found metal shavings on the cap, so I’m assuming the pump is shot! There are no external leaks from the pump, rack or any hoses. The rack makes no noise and the pump howls right at start up for about 30 seconds and the fluid level is at proper level. The serpentine belt is new and the idler was replaced. Any suggestions would be helpful.
vehicle is a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 with 4.8L V8
thanks in advance
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,878
Likes: 1,097
From: Worcester, Ma.
Well, it'* obviously the rack or the pump....metal is not a good sign, but is it from the pump or the rack?
My money is on the pump.......but if you have metal on the cap, than means metal may be running through the system.....
So in addition to a pump, you are going to have to flush the system.......you will install the new pump......the outlet of the pump will be connected........the inlet(return from the rack) will not.......Plug the return opening in the reservoir.....you will attach a tube to the rubber return line and then attach another rubber line long enough to flow into an empty jug.......fill the reservoir, and have containers of PS fluid ready(no cap, seal off)......start the vehicle........pour fluid into the reservoir at a steady pace to keep it full(DON'T LET IT EMPTY).......the contaminated fluid, instead of going back to the reservoir, will flow into the empty jug......when the fluid is clear on return, shut the vehicle off....attach the return hose, top off fluid, and rotate wheel side to side, 10 times each way.....this should remove any residual air....
BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN DOING THIS, YOU HAVE A ROTATING SERP BELT WHILE DOING THIS.....
My money is on the pump.......but if you have metal on the cap, than means metal may be running through the system.....
So in addition to a pump, you are going to have to flush the system.......you will install the new pump......the outlet of the pump will be connected........the inlet(return from the rack) will not.......Plug the return opening in the reservoir.....you will attach a tube to the rubber return line and then attach another rubber line long enough to flow into an empty jug.......fill the reservoir, and have containers of PS fluid ready(no cap, seal off)......start the vehicle........pour fluid into the reservoir at a steady pace to keep it full(DON'T LET IT EMPTY).......the contaminated fluid, instead of going back to the reservoir, will flow into the empty jug......when the fluid is clear on return, shut the vehicle off....attach the return hose, top off fluid, and rotate wheel side to side, 10 times each way.....this should remove any residual air....
BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN DOING THIS, YOU HAVE A ROTATING SERP BELT WHILE DOING THIS.....
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