Power Steering problem

[hihosilver]

If my truck is cold and I start it up and back up idling it is hard to steer and binds like the power steering isn't kicking in. Then when I start driving it is back to normal. I checked the fluid and it's a little low so I'm going to add some hopefully that helps. Any of you have this happen? Have an idea of what it is? My warranty is up in 4000 miles I'm wondering if I should bring it in. Thanks in advance for any replies.

[chevy4x4trucks]

My grand prix would do the same thing if it was sitting out in the cold for a long time. I took it to the dealer and they couldn't find a problem with it. It sucked for me because the only time it sat out in the cold for a long time was in the parking structure downtown at school (where you kinda need to be able to turn to get out of tight spots).

[seadoons]

Interesting...mine has starting doing something weird like that too...sometimes when not moving when you turn your wheel the engine RPMs will drop...sometimes when sitting stopped I go to turn and start spinning the wheel, the engine RPMs drop slightly, and the power steering loses power and it pushes back against me. It's on the list of things...

[robsawatsky]

Not sure how these trucks work, but some vehicles actually have a pressure switch on the power steering line or pump that indicates to the computer to increase RPM at idle to keep the steering boost up at low speeds. Could also be a problem in the variable assist valving.

 

I had a similar problem in our other vehicle, Plymouth Grand Voyager, the steering boost was insufficient at engine idle - power steering pump replaced under warranty.

[Z71SierraSLT]

I have the same problem. Just as I put the truck into gear and before I give it some gas, the power steering doesn't kick in. My 2000 GMC Sierra Ext Cab Z71 has 74500 miles on it and it started up a about a month ago. I took it in to the dealership to get it looked at. They said everything with the Power Steering is fine. I do have larger tires (285/75 16s) on them. Its just one size bigger than stock. I've had the tires on for about a year now and it just started. The tech at the dealership told me this was a reoccurring problem with 4WD trucks with larger tires. Anyone else find a way to fix this?

[seadoons]

I posted a previous reply to this post back in November - I upgraded to 285's in June 2003...after posting on the post I checked my fluid level and it was low, so I added some and I haven't had the problem since. The power steering pump fluid resovoir (sp?) isn't all that big, so even if seems to be only a little low, it is proportionalty alot. Make sure the fluid is touching the line on that little plastic dipstick.

[Z71SierraSLT]

Thanks

I even got the dealership to flush the power steering fluid and checked to see that there was more than enough fluid. They said everything checked out. They just blamed it on the tires. Pump, lines, pressure and others were checked.

[hihosilver]

I brought my truck in to the dealer finally for this and they said they can't find anything wrong with the powersteering either. Said they couldn't get it to do it for them. They kept it over night just to see cause I told them it happens more when it's been sitting awhile. It's been happening more often since

Z71SierraSLT when your dealer is blaming the tires that's B.S. because I still have the stock tires on mine. I'm going to try and bring the truck back in next week just before the 36k miles to have the new style parking brake setup put on. I think I'll try one more time to have them look at the power steering problem.

[JayMan]

I did the initial power steering fluid flush/fill when my truck had 600 miles on it. I refilled with the regular GM power steering fluid.

 

I noticed a similar problem, but only if I was forced to park outside in temps colder than -20 F. Anything warmer and no problem.

 

After putting up with this for awhile, last fall I finally mentioned it to the dealer Service Manager. He wondered why I waited so long to do anything about it, considering how anal-compulsive I am about everything else.

 

GM has a special partial synthetic "cold climate" power steering fluid that addresses this problem if you experience it in temps colder than -20 F. I flushed and refilled with this pricey $26/qt stuff and this winter, no problems even at -40 F.

 

Otherwise, if it happens all the time, you have a pressure switch problem or a pump problem. If a check valve is sticking in the pump, you won't get boost.

[toyotatech]

Hey Jerry, do you have a GM part number for that part synthetic power steering fluid?

Thanks, John

[JayMan]

Hello John:

 

It's a 1 litre jug labelled: "AC Delco Power Steering Fluid - Cold Climate" and has the following part number:

 

#10953471

 

Remember that's a Canadian part number. I don't even know if you can get this product in the U.S. Some more from the back label:

 

"AC Delco Power Steering Fluid Cold Climate is a partially synthetic base power steering fluid with exceptional low temperature properties. This product inhibits oxidation and is specifically recommended for cold climate conditions with temperatures below -29 C (-20 F)."

 

Hope this helps. Not sure based on the above if GM wants this product used in hot climates. It claims to be non-foaming and inhibits corrosion, and minimizes pump squeal.

 

I started using it simply because at temps around -15 F the power steering felt stiff, and by -40 F it didn't even feel like power steering anymore. This stuff works, at least for me.

[Z71SierraSLT]

Thanks Hihosilver.

 

I checked the power steering level today and it wasn't as full as it was when I got the dealership to flush it and put new fluid in there. Just about a inch gone....?

I'm going to check it every two days to see if it drops more. I checked for leaks and there was no sign. I bought a bottle of power steering fluid to add more. I'll let you know if things change.

 

 

By the way guys, I live in Houston, Texas and the temp will never get that cold down here...lol