'03 Trailblazer Power Steering Problems

[stolzyboy]

Hi all,

 

I have an '03 Trailblazer EXT with 70K on it.

 

The other day, I was driving back from the lake and on stretches of about 20-30 miles (or longer) on the highway, when it came time to turn off to another road, I had to two hand drive it, like the power steering just shut off.

 

Driving in town works fine, but it seems when you drive straight (relatively) on a highway/interstate, then when it comes time to slow down and turn, there is nothing... after turning a little bit, it works fine.

 

My power steering pump whines, but it's done that since I got it last year and leaks no fluid.

 

Someone I know thought rack/pinion is leaking and causing fluid to be on both side of the cylinder causing it to "lock", but he also said it could be a relief valve stuck in the power steering pump, but thought that would cause it to be bad all the time.

 

Any suggestions on what to try to troubleshoot the problem more? I'd rather not just start replacing parts, I'd rather start with the best guess first.

 

Thanks!

 

Jeremy

[Draenor]

Someone I know thought rack/pinion is leaking and causing fluid to be on both side of the cylinder causing it to "lock", but he also said it could be a relief valve stuck in the power steering pump, but thought that would cause it to be bad all the time.

The valve would be my guess. Or it could be some sludge in the lines and just need a fluid change, Id try that first.

If the rack and pinion was getting fluid on both sides, it would lock, but you you would not be able to turn it.

[stolzyboy]

we took the pump apart fully, cleaned it up, emry clothed some pieces in there, namely the relief valve, the stater, and some of the veins that were sticking... after that it seems to be working fine for now... the relief valve had a small nick in it and before we smoothed that out, it seemed to stick, but afterwards, it seemed to go in and out just fine...

 

even if it doesn't end up working, replacing that on the trailblazer is super simple and for a rebuild its only 80 bucks with lifetime limited warranty (limited being owner changes and obvious damage by customer).

 

thanks!