Still no power steering after replacing the power steering pump?

Tiny
SBHART
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
The power steering suddenly went out. Managed to get the truck home and began investigating.

No leaking power steering fluid that I could see.
The reservoir was still full.
Got the front of the truck off the ground and tested PS and it was fine.
Lowered the truck back to the ground and the issue was back.

On the advice of a friend, I replaced the power steering pump. Once done, same issue as before, no power steering.

Convinced there was something other than the power steering pump was wrong, I gave up for the night.

I went out today and had son crank truck while I was watching the power steering fluid in the reservoir. Then all of a sudden, I couldn't see the fluid anymore. I checked the level, and it was right on. And magically the power steering came back on the truck.

However, the power steering fluid almost immediately turned a milky yellow color.

So, the power steering now works but the fluid is a milky color.

Is that a problem?

Any help is appreciated, thanks.
Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 AT 6:27 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
SBHART
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Update.

I let the truck cool down and went to check the fluid.

The power steering fluid was clear again.

It only turns cloudy when the truck is running.
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Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
BORIS K
  • MECHANIC
  • 799 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you either have air in the power steering system, when engine running the air will then emulsify the power steering fluid and change color, or some contamination in the system.

I would suggest flushing the system.

A good video:
https://youtu.be/lkWbV48kfLU

A good article:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

Cheers, Boris
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Friday, February 24th, 2023 AT 4:09 AM
Tiny
SBHART
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks. I'll take it in for a flush.
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Monday, February 27th, 2023 AT 5:42 PM
Tiny
BORIS K
  • MECHANIC
  • 799 POSTS
Hello,

Let us know if you need any further assistance.

Cheers, Boris
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2023 AT 3:46 AM

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