No Power Steering after replacement

Tiny
SBC4EVER63
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 138,842 MILES
I hope you can help me, I am a mechanic, working on a vehicle in my garage. It came to me with no P/S, the pump was making noise, and could see not moving fluid inside of pump. I pulled the belt to check for pump shaft end play, and the shaft came right out with the pulley. "Bad pump", I said, so I replaced it with a new one. Put it back together, after flushing the system, although not real well, still no P/S. So, I got a used steering box from a reputable supplier, and installed it, still no P/S. I removed pressure line at steering box, and it pumps very hard and fast, but I have no gauge to check PSI with. Remove return line from steering box, and it comes out slowly, but seems ok. The system has a cooler, but even with return off of box, there is no P/S, so it can't be a restriction there or anywhere else. The only part of the system remaining is the pressure switch, but I don't see it being the cause. The only thing I can think of is that I got a bad used box. I have asked multiple other tech, and they offer no help.
Thursday, December 18th, 2008 AT 7:27 PM

19 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,513 POSTS
Hello,

I think you have hit it on the money it is a bad power steering box. The only other thing I can think of would be the high side power steering hose. What happens is the hose falls apart inside causing a restriction.

Here is a guide and some videos to help you get the problem fixed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

and

https://youtu.be/KKeFqHLuRQ0

Please let us know what you find ;)

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:31 AM
Tiny
RLEIER71
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
Steering problem
2002 Chevy Suburban V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 190000 miles

Last Saturday night, I parked my suburban in the drive way. The temp dropped to -17, when I went to leave later that night I could barely turn the wheels. I checked the PS fluid level, it was a little low, so I topped it off, but the steering is still extremely hard, what would cause this?
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
NEWKID101
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It could be your power steering pump went out!
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MICHAEL BUTLER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
Steering problem
2003 Chevy Suburban V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 140000 miles

after replacing the power steering pump. Only steer to the left ok, but still hard steering to the right at a standstell. But steer ok whle diving down highway.
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
Look under car while someone turns wheel, look for binding idler arm and any other steering components.
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MKJBBLEWIS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
My 2000 Surburban is having trouble steering to the left. Going to the right is as it should be, when you turn left it feels like there is no power steering and you really have to put some muscle into it to get it to go right. There is a hiss coming from the steering shaft area when turning left. It could have been doing this the entire time.I just never noticed it before. If you muscle it to the left after an 1/8th turn if your rolling it gets easier. Had a buddy that's an audi mechanic check it out for about 10 seconds and he said it was the hydra boost possibly. Everything I've read on that seems to be with steering and brakes going out together. My brakes have been perfect by they way. There seems to be no fluid loss either, checked it and it was full. Thanks
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,513 POSTS
Hi, Its sounds like the steering box is bad which a common on these models, the problem is the internal seals wear out that assist one side or the other.

We did a video to replace this unit which had the exact problem as you are describing please take a look,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKeFqHLuRQ0

Get back to us when you can to let us know how it went.
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CHINEKE1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
Steering problem
2001 Chevy Suburban 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 125000 miles

My steering is very hard to turn and the fan belt is recently changed and there is a enough power fluid.
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BRBLEAUJR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • 168,000 MILES
I had very loose steering for a long time car would drift. Replaced all ball joints, idler arm, ect. Put new tires on car and replaced power steering pump and gearbox, did this twice.I am at a loss. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
After turning, will the steering wheel return to center by itself or do you have to do it yourself?
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Engine running, when working the steering wheel, can you see fluid circulating in the pump?

With engine off, you can take return line loose, aim into container, rotate the pump pulley with your hand, see if fluid comes out. The return line isn't as heavy duty as the pressure line, you should be able to tell by looking at the lines.
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SAM BOWLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 86,000 MILES
Steering problem
1999 Chevy Suburban V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 86000 miles

86,000 power steering making noise and hard to steer. Check the power steering oil it's good. What do you think the problem is.
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Most likely power steering pump is failing. Inspect drive belt to ensure it is not damaged/cracked and is tightened properly.

Thanks for using 2CarPros. Com!
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CRE8TIVEGIRL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
Brakes problem
1997 Chevy Suburban V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 160000 miles

Hi --

I have spent 3 days replacing everything I thought was the problem with my truck- including
new master cylinder, hydrolic buster, new fuel filter and for the power steering I changed power steering pump, changed 2 of the -3 power steering hoses - I have one left to change --

and after all this my brake and power steering are still not working ANY clue here would be greatly appreciated

Thanks so much Caroline :))
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN1402
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
You may have air in your system
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHN VINTI
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 155,000 MILES
Steering problem
1999 Chevy Suburban V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 155000 miles

All of a sudden it is extremely difficult to steer the truck. There is enough fluid in the power steering reservoir. I am wondering if it is just the power steering unit or possibly something else since there isn't any noise coming from the unit. The truck can be steered but with great difficulty. If it is the power steering unit are there any difficulties I should watch out for when replacing.
Thank You.
John
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
GM P/S pumps have a problem they break the pump shaft with engine running remove P/S filler cap you should see fluid moving
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHN VINTI
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS


Steering problem
1999 Chevy Suburban V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 155000 miles

You were exactly correct the shaft on the power steering unit is sheared. I can not find a power steering pump with the EVO electrical plug receiver on.
Does the EVO inlet from the old pump thread off? Can I thread it onto the new unit? A GM dealer told me my GM pump part no. 26069033 has been discontinued. Maybe I'm asking the wrong questions but all I can find is the pump without the EVO (what I call the electronic plug attachment) on the unit. What are my options.
Thanks for the great diagnosis!!!
john
Picture shows bottom of pump with electrical line and fluid line


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/2562_S6300380_2.jpg

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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Try NAPA for a rebuilt pump also see if GM can get pump 26069034 it is superseeded part.
Good Luck
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)

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