Power steering not working properly

Tiny
NJADIAZ77
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 4.8L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 138,000 MILES
My SUV's steering wheel got hard to turn to the left so they told me it was the pump. So we changed it and no improvement. Then they told us it was the gear box, so we changed it. But now the steering wheel is hard to turn both sides. Please help me. Thanks
Thursday, January 18th, 2018 AT 5:00 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Couple things that we need to start with. First here is a guide that will help with these issues:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems

Next we need to find out what parts you replaced the gear and pump with. I suspect the fact that after you did the pump and there was no change and after the hear it was both sides that were hard, that you got a faulty gear. This why I am suspect that you replaced it with a used part. if this is the case then we need to return that gear and replace it again.

Here is the process just in case you need it. Thanks
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 2:04 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

Do you have a hydroboost system on the master cylinder? That would be in place of a vacuum unit for brake assist.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems

If you do, there was a recall for this exact issue due to that unit having an internal failure not allowing fluid flow to the steering box.

Roy

DEFECT: Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Passenger Car Brake Systems." Some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore. Consequently, the valve O-ring seal may fracture. Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may also require an increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration.
REMEDY: Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2004. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; GMC at 1-866-996-9463; or Hummer at 1-866-486-6376.

Hydraulic Brake Booster Replacement

Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant in Service Precautions.

Notice: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components in Service Precautions.

Notice: Hydraulic brake systems use two distinct and incompatible fluids. Power steering fluid is used in the hydraulic brake booster system. Brake fluid is used in the master cylinder and brake pipes. Use extreme care when selecting brake system fluids, or seal damage can result Refer to General Information to select the correct fluid.

Checking and Adding Fluid
For information on checking and adding fluid to the hydraulic booster system, refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid (Without Hydroboost) or Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid (With Hydroboost) in Power Steering System.

Bleeding the Hydraulic Booster System
Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System in Power Steering System

Flushing the Hydraulic Booster System
Refer to Flushing the Power Steering System in Power Steering System.

Removal Procedure
1. Apply the park brake and block the wheels.
2. Disconnect the inlet hose, the steering gear. and the return hoses from the booster assembly
3. Remove the master cylinder. Refer to Master Cylinder Replacement.
4. Remove the stop lamp switch Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Lighting Systems.

imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

5. Remove the 4 booster to bulkhead nuts.
6. Remove the booster assembly.
7. Remove the gasket.
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 2:04 PM

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