power steering problem

[Fish mojo]

well, dang. Just went out to take a ride and right away notice the steering feels like its locked up. What the heck??? Then I realize its not locked up, but just plain no power steering. I shut her down, thinking the belt must be gone. Nope, belt is fine. pull the cap for the steering fluid and as it unseats, I hear some gurgling sounds like air bubbles popping in the fluid. The reservoir is also way higher than normal, almost to the top of the fill spout. No, I have never had leaks or added for quite a long time.

99 3/4Ton-6L 4X4 w/automatic. 50,000 miles, never had a mecahnical problem.

Anyone experience this or have an idea?

Thanks.

[citydriver]

Is it really COLD where you live?

[Fish mojo]

Is it really COLD where you live?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

No, its parked in the garage. 45 degrees (Portland OR area)

[citydriver]

Well it was just a thought....

You could try jacking up the front end and put it up on jack stands (get the wheels in the air) then turn the wheel from stop to stop to see if that will clear any air that may be in the system....also check to see if any of the lines are kinked, or if there is an oil cooler in line that may have been crushed by road debris....if none of the above,the pump or pressure releif valve (in the back of the pump) may have failed prematurely.....just a guess

[the blur]

there's a bad valve inside the steering box. the dealer replaces the entire steering box if your under warrenty.

[Peter_C]

Do not drive it unless the problem has been solved. The power steering is also your brake booster.

[mcreyaufmiller]

another thought and I may be off balance here, but does the truck in question have the speed sensetive steering? Chevy has had a problem with these in the past going bad and doind funky things with the steering (like my 98).

 

Mike

[dukbludvl]

I had the same thing happen to my Yukon recently. It had about 70K miles on it. I replaced the P/S pump and pulley. Did the work myself. So far so good. Was kind of hard to get in there with my big hands. Some tight spots. Let me know if you have any questions about this job.

[Fish mojo]

Well, I had some time to work on it today. I started it and tried it again, same problem, no power steering. I popped the reservoir cap off and the thing was slight pressurized and over full. I put the cap back on, restarted the engine and revved it to about 3k a couple times and all the sudden, power steering is back!! I let it settle down to idle, still works fine. I did loose some fluid when over pressurized so I topped it off. Tried it again, works fine, drove about 5 miles and came home. All is well for now. Must have been a stuck check valve for all I can think. Is the check in the pump unit? Hope it doesn't come back.