Hard to steer when idling

JASE CHAVEZ

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
5.3L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
212,000 MILES

Hey, just recently it became hard to turn when idling. If I am driving and get the rpm's up a little bit it makes it easier. Just trying to figure out if the pump that is a year old is going out again or if its something like the rack and pinion or box. Fluid is good, it only has a small whine if I turn it completely and hold it besides that doesn't make a noise. Thanks

7 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

Before we get started is your truck a K1500, K2500, or K3500? Let me know and we'll go from there after we receive your information. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

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Thursday, September 17th, 2020 AT 10:12 PM

JASE CHAVEZ

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Just the 1500.

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Thursday, September 17th, 2020 AT 10:46 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

So it is a 4x4 to be on the same page right?

Danny-

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Thursday, September 17th, 2020 AT 10:59 PM

JASE CHAVEZ

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Correct.

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Thursday, September 17th, 2020 AT 11:00 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

That sounds like a pump issue as opposed to the steering gear. How many miles were put on the truck after you replaced the pump a year ago? When you replaced the pump was it new or re-manufactured? My 1989 K1500 only had 79,000 original miles and the same thing happened. If you want I can attached repair guides on how to replace the steering pump. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

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Friday, September 18th, 2020 AT 1:24 PM

JASE CHAVEZ

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks. I appreciate it and I have only put around 10,000 miles on this pump. Yes it was re-manufactured. I'm thinking it just went bad. I was just looking at how to know if it was the box or rack and pinion. Thanks and just to double check after I out the new pump on and fill the steering fluid in order to bleed the lines just run it with no cap and turn the wheel back and forth 5-6 times correct? Or is there another way to bleed the lines?

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Friday, September 18th, 2020 AT 1:34 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again,

Here is a tutorial for you to view showing power steering pump replacement:

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

As far as bleeding the system I don't recommend leaving the cap off. Just turn the steering all the way left to all the way right repeatedly for about 10 minutes or until all air bubbles are gone. Just be sure to keep an eye on the fluid level to keep topped off. I've attached picture steps below for your truck if needed. Keep us updated and let more know if you have any further questions about this issue. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

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