Hard to turn steering wheel only while turning left

[clandr1]

I have a weird issue - my power steering pump makes a hissing noise that I can hear in the cab, but only when turning left at slow speeds. The steering wheel is also hard to turn.

When I turn right, everything is normal.

I don't have any power steering leaks. Truck is 13 years old, I'm the original owner, and it has around 198,000 miles on it. The PS pump is original.

Any ideas what I'm dealing with?

Thanks!

 

[Big Mama]

hissing is usually a leak. It may have an air bubble in it from a leak small enough to pull air in. When you say no leaks are you sayiyno drips on the driveway or you’ve been under it with a flashlight?

 

[clandr1]

Good question, I should clarify that I found fluid leaking on the high pressure line. A grounding cable that bolts to the block was contacting/rubbing the hard line and I'm assuming created a small leak.
I replaced the hard line, bled the system, and am experiencing the same problem. There is absolutely no leak (currently) in the system that I can detect.

 

[JetBlackNali]

Does your truck have the hydra boost brake system on it ?

 

[clandr1]

Does your truck have the hydra boost brake system on it ?

Yes.

 

[JetBlackNali]

Does the hissing go away when loaded(turning or braking)? If so I would look into the hydra boost unit. Buddies dodge of the same vintage with hydra boost had a very similar problem. On his it was high pressure line to brake unit. Inside the line is a teflon liner that slid out and got wedged in the brake unit. His problem was both directions on steering went south doing approx 60 miles an hour on the freeway. Scary

 

[Big Mama]

It really does sound like air lock. That bubble stays in the same place. If not are any of the steering components binding from the previous problem?

 

[clandr1]

Does the hissing go away when loaded(turning or braking)? If so I would look into the hydra boost unit. Buddies dodge of the same vintage with hydra boost had a very similar problem. On his it was high pressure line to brake unit. Inside the line is a teflon liner that slid out and got wedged in the brake unit. His problem was both directions on steering went south doing approx 60 miles an hour on the freeway. Scary

No, the hissing always occurs no matter what. The brakes are fine - no change there. A mechanic buddy is convinced I need a new steering gear box, because he thinks there is a failed valve or something inside of it.

It really does sound like air lock. That bubble stays in the same place. If not are any of the steering components binding from the previous problem?

I checked tonight and the steering components do not bind. I jacked up the front end and turned lock to lock 20+ times, and the wheels moved freely. Once it was back on the ground, the stiff left turn & hissing came back.

 

[Big Mama]

Then your friend is probably right. If there’s no weight on it and it works fine that kinda rules out the pump and lines. I hope he’s right. Please report back once fixed for the next guy.

 

[clandr1]

Will do!

 

[clandr1]

I'm sad to report that I installed an AC Delco reman steering box today, bled the system, and now it's almost as if I don't have ANY power steering at low speeds.

Can anyone give me some advice? I'm assuming there's air in the system somewhere and I just can't get it out.

 

[Big Mama]

Are the hoses and pump ok? The air can get in through a small crack in the hose or fittings. Easier with extra eyes Find the bleed screw on the box put a hose to direct it. Fill the reservoir crack the screw turn the wheels lock to lock several times until no bubbles. Shut it off do it again you’ll feel when the bubbles are gone

 

[clandr1]

As far as I can tell, the hoses are fine. The pump was replaced about 3-4 weeks ago. I've thrown in the towel. Tomorrow if a local, highly rated mobile mechanic doesn't call me back first thing in the morning, I'm going to take it to the local dealer and let them fix it.

I'm so frustrated. I bled it 5 different times using 4 different methods, and nothing worked. Maybe I just need to put a vacuum to it, but I don't have the inclination to buy the stuff I need online and wait for it to arrive.

 

[Big Mama]

Since it’s worse with the new box on could it be you got a bad one?

 

[clandr1]

Finally threw in the towel and had a mobile mechanic come out. He replaced the power steering pump with a brand new AC Delco unit, and all is well. I'll never know if the original PS pump was bad, or if the steering pump was bad and the original PS pump was operating normally.

I have a request: I think the mechanic intertwined my negative battery cable with the power steering pressure and return lines - can someone snap a photo of how the negative battery cable is routed in the area of the power steering lines and post it in this thread?

 

[Big Mama]

06 with 5.3 4WD? Mine is 07 6.2 not sure with model change let’s ask for help @swathdiver @iamdub @Galante @kbuskill @HiHoeSilver

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Finally threw in the towel and had a mobile mechanic come out. He replaced the power steering pump with a brand new AC Delco unit, and all is well. I'll never know if the original PS pump was bad, or if the steering pump was bad and the original PS pump was operating normally.

I have a request: I think the mechanic intertwined my negative battery cable with the power steering pressure and return lines - can someone snap a photo of how the negative battery cable is routed in the area of the power steering lines and post it in this thread?

06 5.3

 

[clandr1]

06 5.3

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I love this board! Thanks @HiHoeSilver , very much appreciated.