***** Power steering problem? ******

Nemo · 08-22-2008, 01:38 PM

I’m not exactly sure what’s wrong but every few days I have to fill my power steering fluid because ill be turning and my truck jerks like it is in 4x4(when it’s actually in 2 wheel drive). On top of that, it feels very difficult to turn my wheel unless moving(5mph+). Has anyone had this problem? Or would anyone be able to give me an idea where to start because the dealership doesn’t help at all….

Thanks for your time,

Nemo

**fireman260** · 08-22-2008, 01:41 PM

Mine does the same thing. When I first take off from sitting still, the steering is alittle stiff. Just seems normal to me. Did you check all you lines for any leaks?

Nemo · 08-22-2008, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fireman260

Mine does the same thing. When I first take off from sitting still, the steering is alittle stiff. Just seems normal to me. Did you check all you lines for any leaks?

Yes i did, and there are no signs of leaks... it seems like the fluid just disappears, thats why i dont know what to do. lol

**gr8shot** · 08-22-2008, 02:06 PM

well one thing that would help is flushing out your p/s system. Hook'em horns does this regularly and swears up and down that it prevents stiff steering. the fluid gets really really hot, and breaks down to the point where it just doesn't work as good. I'm not sure how to go about doing this, but I've read that you suck out the resivoir, fill it with clean fluid, turn the wheels lock to lock a few times & repeat. Do that like 3 or 4 times and you'll get clean fluid in the system and it's supposed to help. I'm guna be tryin it in the near future cuz mine is like that too.

I don't know why you'd be losing fluid though unless you have a leak. IDK if p/s fluid can boil, or evaporate or anything like that or not. So I'm stumped there.

Nemo · 08-22-2008, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gr8shot

well one thing that would help is flushing out your p/s system. Hook'em horns does this regularly and swears up and down that it prevents stiff steering. the fluid gets really really hot, and breaks down to the point where it just doesn't work as good. I'm not sure how to go about doing this, but I've read that you suck out the resivoir, fill it with clean fluid, turn the wheels lock to lock a few times & repeat. Do that like 3 or 4 times and you'll get clean fluid in the system and it's supposed to help. I'm guna be tryin it in the near future cuz mine is like that too.

I don't know why you'd be losing fluid though unless you have a leak. IDK if p/s fluid can boil, or evaporate or anything like that or not. So I'm stumped there.

Ill look into it a little more and try flushing it out. And i cant move my tires at all if im not moving...

ironcrossmike · 08-22-2008, 05:17 PM

Try looking at the "hydra-boost" brake booster. It may be leaking down the firewall or something like that.

corjc · 08-22-2008, 09:08 PM

mine does it to only when your stepping on the brake and turning at the same time its because the power steering and hydro boost run together and then you add the bigger tires and its hard on the system it goes away if you raise up your rmps a little

**Hook'em_Horns!** · 08-22-2008, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemo

I’m not exactly sure what’s wrong but every few days I have to fill my power steering fluid because ill be turning and my truck jerks like it is in 4x4(when it’s actually in 2 wheel drive). On top of that, it feels very difficult to turn my wheel unless moving(5mph+). Has anyone had this problem? Or would anyone be able to give me an idea where to start because the dealership doesn’t help at all….

Thanks for your time,

Nemo

Since you’re losing fluid, chances are that it’s your Hydro-Boost unit failing.

It will sometimes leak inside the firewall (pull back the carpet and feel under it), but usually it leaks between the HB unit and the Brake Master.

In the beginning it’s a faint leak that will drip to the ground just barely missing the inner fender, easily going unnoticed until the PS pump runs dry.

Take a white paper towel and wipe under where these two units join to check for fluid residue.

It’s an Easy repair if it is, just somewhat costly for the unit.

lb7dmaxin · 09-05-2008, 04:19 PM

Hook'em horns- Do you run ATF in your power steering? if so why?

**Hook'em_Horns!** · 09-05-2008, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lb7dmaxin

Hook'em horns- Do you run ATF in your power steering? if so why?

I was looking for a synthetic fluid to manage the heat better. I heard that GM has a SynPS, but the parts guys/gals can't find it (big warehouse). Thought I would experiment with the DEX VI synthetic and see, others have used it for years without issues.

My towing conditions are far to the extreme than most HD-ers.