04' 3500 8.1l power steering pump help

[patriotplumber]

Got in the truck yesterday morning, went to back up and had no power steering. Also the brakes were soft, hydroboost?? The power steering gave no indication of anything prior. Worked fine when I parked it the night before. It has 150k miles so anything is possible.

My question is, how do I make sure that the pump is the/ and only problem? And with the hydroboost, what is a good identifier when i look for new pump, to look for?

All the help is appreciated! Its my work truck and cant really work without it!

 

04' 3500 crew cab silverado, 8.1l with allison tranny, dually

Thank you

[xwire]

Make sure to check power steering fluid level, mine did the same thing and while the ps fluid dipstick showed it only being a little low I was able to add almost a full quart to it by topping it off working the steering wheel lock to lock and applying the brake pedal then topping it off again and repeating working the steering wheel. Took a little bit but my brakes and steering came right back.

[Shaners]

The shaft sheared on my pump with only 20K miles on it (replaced under warranty). Same symptoms as you... I lost power steering and power brakes.

[patriotplumber]

Will check both this afternoon. Thanks!!

Checked fluid real quickly right after but am parked on hill so double check today

[patriotplumber]

Plumber got a bad feeling, rolled truck back to level ground, checked PS fluid and it was to top of fill neck. I am only one with a key, only one who works on it. Can shaft failure cause fluid to back up like that? I did not risk trying to steer left and right etc after seeing that. Fluid was a chocolate like color almost like it was aerated.

 

Pump shot?? Or something I am missing? Has the hydroboost on it so going to start looking

Thanks guys

[vucelick]

The shaft is sheared on the power steering pump.

[Paulie G]

I broke a shaft as well. Stuck in deep snow with bald tires tring to turn the wheels when it failed. Lost steering and brakes. Worst part is my brother had to pull me out with his 5.3 avalanch. Still hear about it after 3 years.

[patriotplumber]

Sorry paulie, nothing worse than having to get help from a lil' fella. Lol.

 

Well with working 14 hr days this week, i almost have pump out. Got the pulley off last night, just too dang tired to try anthying tonight.

Thanks again guys for all the great info!!!

[patriotplumber]

Fiannly got that POS off the truck.

Does anyone know a good way to bench test these pumps? I am almost positive its whats wrong, but I like to know how and what is broken

[vucelick]

The shaft is probably sheared right inside the pump housing, sometimes when they break the shaft just slides out the front of the pump.

[patriotplumber]

The shaft is probably sheared right inside the pump housing, sometimes when they break the shaft just slides out the front of the pump.

 

The shaft is still in there, I even spun it with a drill to see, The resevoir had some fluid in it, not alot, but with ports alll open next to nothing came out when I ran it. I am inclined to believe its sheared, but just not loose enough to come out. Local parts house bringing 1 in tomorrow, All I can do right now. My helper has been pickiing me up etc all week. I NEED MY TRUCK!! LOL Young guy drives like crap. Im sure you all know the type..

 

Thank you all for the help!!

Now If I can find the guy that decided those press type hose clamps used currenty, was the best idea, I Kill Him!

[patriotplumber]

Well 2 weeks now with new pump and in middle of U turn plow! Pump pulley comes mostly off shaft threw the belt. Its at a dang grocery store, guess im gonna have to fix it there. I got now way to pull the beast, the beast is the puller! Cant afford a wrecker either. Dam Oreilly's auto, power steering pump! Only place i could get 1 at that time and frame.

 

Question: you think something could be in the lines? Or steering box doing some funky stuff? Or maybe even the hydro boost??

Need some help once again

Thanks!!!!

[vucelick]

I dont think there is anything wrong with your lines,box or hydroboost. The pumps are notoriously prone to breaking. Backing up and/or turning in snow seems to break them often. I have searched unsuccessfully for an upgraded pump.