Changed Power Steering Fluid...now It Doesn't Work

JackalAR · April 8, 2011

I have a 2000 K1500 with 62k mi. on it. I believe the power steering fluid had never been changed. Two days ago I extracted all the PS fluid I could with an oil extractor that has an 1/8" tube on it. It was DARK amber / black and didn't smell the best, but not overwhelming. I poured in about 3/4 of a quart of Valvoline Max Life 75,000 mi. synthetic blend with conditioners, etc. The level is sitting about 1/16-1/8" above cold fill.

I just went to start it finally and noticed I had no PS. I popped the hood and removed the res. cap and it will still full and nice and clear still. I started the truck again with the cap off and didn't see anything goin on inside the res.

WTH is going on? I've done this many times before without incident, just not on this particular truck or make. Does this truck require something special that would immediately kill the PS function? Thanks!

txab · April 8, 2011

Probably trapped air.

At least that's what comes to mind. It worked before, but not right after siphoning and replacing fluid......... I've never had a problem doing this method

JackalAR · April 8, 2011

Wanted to add that I started it in the garage and didn't hear anything odd at start-up. No fluid anywhere. It is a 5.3L. No issues with steering what so ever prior. I also did this with the brake fluid using synthetic DOT 3-4 as part of my spring maintenance.

I just grasped the PS pulley with both hands and pulled straight out and I could only get it to pop out about 1/16"...just enough to hear and see it move, but no further and I can't pull any harder really.

JackalAR · April 8, 2011

Thanks!!! Any tips to remedy this?

Probably trapped air

Duelin · April 8, 2011

Is the Belt slipping? And have you turned the wheels left and then right to bleed the air out?

JackalAR · April 8, 2011

Belt is not slipping, but I will double check now. I have tried but it's harder than hell and I don't have time to get wheels off ground. Leaving town in 30 min. Obviously not in this truck now.

gmtech4 · April 8, 2011

ya wheels off the ground ,lock to lock a zillion times bleeds it .

JackalAR · April 8, 2011

I went back and tried it again and it worked like someone flipped the switch. I moved the wheel back - forth about 10 times and checked the fluid...it was at the add line meaning I did in fact have an air bubble. After a quick spin we were able to load up and we're takin off now in the Silverado. Thanks a lot guys...you saved the weekend!!!

amc31b · April 9, 2011

Wow good to know! So all you do is lift the wheels off the ground and bring the streeing wheel lock to lock (side to side) several times to expell any air? You do this with the PS cap on correct?

DwayneJ · April 9, 2011

You probably drained it down into the feed line a little. When I drain one I don't go quite that low and then I redo it a couple weeks later.

Glad it worked out for you. I had to do the GM official bleed procedure once on another vehicle, raise the vehicle so front wheels are off the ground and I believe it is 40 times lock to lock with the engine off. Titres off the ground is not just for ease but to stop you from scrubbing a flat spot in them.

JackalAR · April 11, 2011

...with engine off? Good info...I had no idea.

On mine, I just went to the garage and fired it up and it worked like it never quit. Didn't give me problems the whole trip and the fluid line is right on the money.