Power steering has left the building

[SpThomass]

So I sound dumb I know, but I’m leaking power steering fluid, and im going to fix it in the near future, but the only part that I find confusing is the hydro boost.

Do I have it? How do I know if I have it?
Where is it? Any links for more information on it?

thanks

 

[Big Mama]

Welcome from Virginia Thomas. Nice rig. Others will chime in with specific questions for you.

 

[wjburken]

So I sound dumb I know, but I’m leaking power steering fluid, and im going to fix it in the near future, but the only part that I find confusing is the hydro boost.

Do I have it? How do I know if I have it?
Where is it? Any links for more information on it?

thanks

It might make it easier to answer your question if you share a little info like the year of your vehicle.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Give us some truck-related details, Thomass, and what you have done so far to diagnose your issue, and folks here will share their suggestions and perspectives.

 

[SpThomass]

It might make it easier to answer your question if you share a little info like the year of your vehicle.

My bad didn’t even think about that, it’s a 2006 GMC Yukon denali XL lol

 

[SpThomass]

Give us some truck-related details, Thomass, and what you have done so far to diagnose your issue, and folks here will share their suggestions and perspectives.

The PS reservoir drains pretty fast, I’ve narrowed it down to the high pressure line, return line, and the cooler/ cooler line, but I’m not too sure. And to add to that, I’m not sure if I have hydro boost or not, let alone where it is if I do.

 

[OR VietVet]

Your signature is a great place to list your vehicle info.

Does the master cylinder bolt up to something like this-a vacuum booster: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=870839&cc=1432202&jsn=2228

Or does it look like this-a hydro booster: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1259705&cc=1432202&jsn=2230&jsn=2230

 

[adventurenali92]

My bad didn’t even think about that, it’s a 2006 GMC Yukon denali XL lol

My 2006 has hydro boost, so I’m assuming yours does as well. It’s mounted on the drivers side of the engine bay, in between the underwood fuse panel and the firewall right below the drivers side windshield area.

 

[SnowDrifter]

Post a picture of your brake fluid reservoir

Though, with respect, if you can't track if there's a hydraulic line going to your brake booster / identify a brake booster, I think this one might be best left to the professionals. Having a power steering failure from a learning moment on a repair is no good!

 

[rockola1971]

The hydraboost is located directly behind the master cylinder where traditionally a ROUND vacuum brake booster would be. There will be a power steering line coming off the power steering pump going to the hydraboost. Thats because it uses power steering fluid under pressure to actuate and give you leverage to operate the master cylinder while braking. I have a 05 Yukon Denali and I can tell you that most likely the hydraboost is your leaker. Its very common. Look where the master cylinder bolts to the hydraboost. Is it wet on the underside of them? If yes then its because the hydraboost piston seal is leaking.

Ill let Eric walk you through it....because Eric rocks!

 

[adventurenali92]

The hydraboost is located directly behind the master cylinder where traditionally a ROUND vacuum brake booster would be. There will be a power steering line coming off the power steering pump going to the hydraboost. Thats because it uses power steering fluid under pressure to actuate and give you leverage to operate the master cylinder while braking. I have a 05 Yukon Denali and I can tell you that most likely the hydraboost is your leaker. Its very common. Look where the master cylinder bolts to the hydraboost. Is it wet on the underside of them? If yes then its because the hydraboost piston seal is leaking.

Ill let Eric walk you through it....because Eric rocks!

This right here^^!! It’s Exactly what I wanted to say but couldn’t verbalize my thought! Haha. My 2006 had the same problem. I was losing power steering fluid, and my family friend that was working on it for me at the time couldn’t tell if which it was coming from so we replaced both, to avoid having to do the other one down the line should it leak. It was a master PITA but now I don’t have any leaks up there! Lol. Check hydro boost!

 

[watuzi]

Can I replace my vacuum booster on my 2005 base Tahoe to a hydro-boost? Will I get better braking if I do the upgrade? This seems like a good project to do.

 

[Rayyy]

Would love to know this as well.

 

[OR VietVet]

I seem to recall either seeing threads on here about doing that or I saw it on you tube. Did you look?