Question about power steering pump - '02 Silverado
 

'02 Silverado 1500 (4.8) w/235K miles.

This afternoon as I was leaving one of my accounts, I started to get a faint whine coming from the engine compartment.

It got louder as I pulled into my next account and left a small puddle on their drive. I will return tomorrow with some purple power cleaner and take care of it.

I backed into my drive and shut her down. The steering was still working fine.

Got underneath and didn't see where the leak was coming from so let it sit for a while. Came back 2 hours later and added fluid to the power steering unit - it was about 16 ounces low. Started her up and looked underneath - no leak. Went for a drive - couple miles - still no leak.

I don't mind changing out the power steering pumps. lines, etc - whatever makes sense - as PM. Better to do it now while she's still driveable.

But wondering if what I just experienced is a warning shot - or not.

I've gone down this road before and when the pump went - it went. Adding fluid didn't really do much.

Any input would be appreciated.

I do intend to replace it - just curious what exactly happened today - other than what I observed as described.

TIA!

Check your hydroboost booster. My truck's brake booster is controled or part of the power steering pump system. I replaced all my lines, booster and power steering pump. Got a RedHead pump. It is suppose one of the better stock pump out there.

It's pining for the Fjords.

OK thanks, Jeff. Hadn't even thought of that. Will check it out. Might be something to go ahead and replace as a preventative item, just like the power steering pump!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1658969317.jpg

:D

I had my hydraulic lines all ripped out and replaced with new. The front suspension is also a weak point, more of a wear items. Check the pitman arm, idler arm and its brackets. Brake line in the rear are prone to wear from water or rust. Other then those simple items, they are pretty reliable and durable.

Thanks!

All the brake lines have been replaced along with front hubs and tie rods, some other suspension things I can't remember.

Other stuff too - the usual wear stuff - nothing major.

Like you said - pretty reliable and durable.

17 years of ownership so far and hoping to keep it forever......;)

A good news update!

I went over to my mechanic's shop today and we determined it is only a leak from the hydraulic line that is pressurized. In fact, it doesn't even leak unless you completely turn the wheel to one side or the other. Then you can see it coming out.

That explains why it's not leaking during normal operations. But did leak those times yesterday - when I was turning in and out of those 2 driveways.

In fact - looking back - the first driveway I had to wait for traffic to go by before I could back in so the wheel was indeed turned hard to one side on that one. Second stop almost the same thing.

I poured some citrus degreaser on the first spot this morning and it did the trick. Will do the other driveway later today.

A replacement hose will be here tomorrow so I can either do the job over the weekend or take it to my mechanic on Monday.

In the meantime everything is back to normal - as long as I don't turn the wheel all the way over to one side or the other.

You know - that line probably suffered the same fate as my brake lines did. A corrosive environment where I live.

Also - turns out my brake booster is not hydraulic so no worries there either.

Time to change that fluid along with other fluids too. You must bleed the hydroboost system. How many miles are on your truck Baz? Going on 160k in mine but its a diesel.

Here's an pic from 'bout 5 years ago when I was trying to get lost in Death Valley on my way out to Vegas for a construction convention. 8' bed club cab. Turns like an aircraft carrier.

OK I jsut noticed pics can't be attached through edit.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1659039049.jpg

Ivan knows what to do . Baz is in good hands .

LOL, Turns like an aircraft carrier, that is so true. The one thing that GM could fix on these with 4wd is the turn radius, really sucks in tight parking lots. Likely the u joint used for the front wheels, it possibly would be better if changed to a Birfield joint like Toyota uses.

Ha - Ivan's a good dude and I'm definitely in good hands with him and his son!

This looks do-able for someone with my limited skill set but I'd rather let Ivan & son do it - helping to support his business!

Jeff - thanks for your advice and cool pic of your aircraft carrier!

Here's my '02 low rider....235K miles :p

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1659039901.JPG

There's not much hauling duty for this truck. Its my travel or camping vehicle now. YOur truck looks very clean. It doesn't get beat on too much.

What I do is upload a pic to a fresh post and copy the link and edit that into the original post.

My understanding is it's baz, I mean bad to hold the (hydraulic) power steering all the way to one side or the other and one should back off the stop a bit.

Ah thanks but it has it's share of battle scars. My intent is to focus on the cosmetics later in the year when things cool down a bit. I have white colored duct tape for example on top of the roof in a few places where it rusted from carrying irrigation pipe over the years.


I never knew that - thanks for the info!

I had a Dodge Cummins from the mid 90s. 8' bed with jump seats in back, extra cab like Baz's in that photo. Its turning diameter is pretty damn well in the parking lots. GM needs to pay attention. Its ok, backing up 7 times to get in to a space isn't too bad. I have time.

Ha - good one, Fred!

I squirted some Kroil on the two hose fittings today and will repeat tomorrow just to give Ivan a little head start on things. :)