1997 Chevrolet Truck Brakes

Tiny
JTUNTLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET TRUCK
  • 6.5L
  • V8
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,000 MILES
Hello:
I have a 1997 Chevy silverado z71 6.5 turbo diesel. The problem I have is the brakes. Yes I tried bleeding them. But the brake pedal is hard during pressure is applied. A near by mechanic said my power steering pump needs to be replaced, steering is ok, but he said diesels power steering pumps provide vacuum to the hydro brake booster.
So I am confused, if the power steering is working. Does the pump still need to be replaced.
Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 AT 5:00 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
He is most likely correct. Hydro-boost power assist was introduced as an alternative to the vacuum booster. The hydro-boost uses the hydraulic pressure from the power steering system to provide power assist when applying the brakes. In a diesel, there is no vacuum assist from the engine to provide what is needed for a traditional brake booster to work, so this is what is used.
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Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
JTUNTLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thank You for your response and reply to my question. Now I can start focusing on the repairs.
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Monday, June 2nd, 2014 AT 7:59 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Glad to help. Let me know if you have other questions.
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Monday, June 2nd, 2014 AT 9:48 AM

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