Strange steering issue.

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Derick C.

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So lately I've been noticing my power steering gets stiff at idle after about a 15 to 20 minute drive, so once it warms up, however if I give it a little throttle it comes right back.
Any ideas?
 

Grit dog

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Pump starting to go out? They don’t work as well at low rpms when they’re not 100%.
 

AuroraGirl

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if you put a ps cooler in, you would prob see improvement. beings that you arent in a tropical environment, im going to go ahead and say you got a weak pump.

FIRST FIRST FIRST is your fluid ok? Clear/Red, no debris, right level? Vent in cap is okay?

First thing first, assuming you still have v belts, check tension(hell even serp) is it slipping on the pulley?

if that is good, pulbelt off, check shaft for play. pump pulley and shaft shouldnt be wobbly or in out/side side machine, should be firmly set.

if that is good, i would flush your PS system and install a cooler, if a square, any universal can work but if a gmt 400, a stock rad-placed ps one would be easiest to fit. it screws into the core support.

if problem persists but all checked, i would check your pressure with a ps pressure tester. if pressure bad, pump replace. if pressure good, you have a fluid flow problem in your gearbox(check for binding or other issues in steering components, like underinflated tires.)

Some have used seafoam trans fluid conditioner/cleaner, you would be removing some PS fluid, substituintg. driving for a day or so, flush whole system etc. if you have gunked up valves.
 

Grit dog

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High pressure line could be partially collapsed internally also.
 

Derick C.

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Pump starting to go out? They don’t work as well at low rpms when they’re not 100%.
Crazy thing is, the pump, lines, and box were all replaced about a year ago. lol.

I was thinking the pump might be taking a dump.
Crappy reman parts we get now days.
 

AuroraGirl

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Crazy thing is, the pump, lines, and box were all replaced about a year ago. lol.

I was thinking the pump might be taking a dump.
Crappy reman parts we get now days.
test not guess
i haad an AC delcoi pressure line fail out of the bag.

as in, i tried to thread into the gear and it literally broke the threads.

so i got a cheap dollar store alternative. seems to work still.
 

Grit dog

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Crazy thing is, the pump, lines, and box were all replaced about a year ago. lol.

I was thinking the pump might be taking a dump.
Crappy reman parts we get now days.

Do you drive it much? I'll second the reman parts thing. Put 4 alternators in a Tahoe last year before I got one that lasted longer than 3 months or 3 seconds!
And not just reman. Buddy put new fuel pump on small block. Arm snapped less than 500 miles later. Replaced. "New" one made it 3/4 of the way around the block and not pumping. Arm not broke. 3rd mechanical fuel pump in less than 500 miles.
 

1987 GMC Jimmy

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I just installed a Delco reman pump last night. It said “remanufactured in Mexico,” and right then and there I expected trouble. It was whiny and stiff at idle. I thought it was the PS pump knocking, but turns out it was the water pump. I reinstalled the almost 31 year old pump with 205K miles, and it was as quiet as a mouse. Sad, I’ll probably have to get it cottage remanufactured when it or any others decide to die.
 

Backfoot100

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So lately I've been noticing my power steering gets stiff at idle after about a 15 to 20 minute drive, so once it warms up, however if I give it a little throttle it comes right back.
Any ideas?

Had the exact same issue with my PS Pump. As far as I know it was the factory pump. Replaced it with a reman unit from Napa about a year ago. Also replaced the seeping lines while I had it apart.
Has worked perfectly ever since.
 

Raider L

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@Grit dog,

I have a similar problem but with brand new radiator hoses. When the weather was warm a weird thing showed up again I thought was just some fluke. The radiator hose will weep fluid the whole length of the hose enough to slightly drip onto the engine and compartment. The hoses are new, a nd the heater hoses do the same thing and they were bought the same time as the rad. hoses. Gates rubber!!
 

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