Power steering issue

KurtMcMouth · June 11, 2004

The power steering on my 01 2500HD does not work when at an idle. Give it a little gas and it's fine. Is the pump bad? Has anyone had this issue?

mitchntx · June 11, 2004

On my race car, I have a ported and revalved PS pump. At low RPM, the steering is very heavy because the pump is not pumping as much fluid to the rack. It's for cooling purposes.

So, based upon that and your description, it does sound like your pump is a little weak.

KurtMcMouth · June 11, 2004

Thats a reasonable assertion. It certainly is not a race truck! Thanks for the info. Anyone else agree/disagree?

JimWilson · June 11, 2004

Note that GM uses something called Hydroboost, which essentially ties the PS and PB into the same hydraulic system. That being the case, it's not out of the question to assume that if your PS is getting a little weak so too might your brakes.

Not being able to steer is bad enough, but not being able to stop could be even worse.

snoman · June 11, 2004

Note that GM uses something called Hydroboost, which essentially ties the PS and PB into the same hydraulic system. That being the case, it's not out of the question to assume that if your PS is getting a little weak so too might your brakes.

Not being able to steer is bad enough, but not being able to stop could be even worse.

I have a hydro boosted truck and this is not normal. I would suspect pump by your description or oil is very low and or badly contaminated.

Ranger354 · June 12, 2004

I too have had problems with my steering at idle. I notice it the most when I am backing my boat into the back yard. Fluid levels are fine. Mine makes noise like it is low or just not pumping. I noticed this when it had 40,000 miles on it and out of warrenty. I wonder what a new pump costs. They are not that hard to replace, if that is the only problem. I have pulled a 32' GN with a large backhoe on it. The trailer had brakes, but I didn't have any trouble stopping it either. I love my truck but the PS is BS!

Ranger