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MarineGrunt
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Dec 31, 2012, 5:55 PM
Post #1 of 37
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2003 Sierra PS issue.
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Having an issue with the ps on the 03 Sierra 4.8L 4X4. I've never had an issue like this one. When I turn the wheel to the left it feels like there's no ps. Once I accelerate it seems to be fine. It makes a very quiet noise when it happens but not the normal whine. It almost sounds like a quick "poof" of air. As long as I have my foot on the gas, like when I'm making a turn, it's fine. Turning the wheel to the right is just fine too. A few months back I replaced the ps pump and one of the lines. I haven't really had a chance to really looks things over because I just noticed it. I didn't notice any leaks under the truck nor is the fluid low. Any idea what could be causing this?
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Hammer Time
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Dec 31, 2012, 6:37 PM
Post #2 of 37
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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DS will correct me if I'm wrong but that sounds like a bad trigger valve in the steering box. You'll probably have to replace the box but I would try a fluid flush first.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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nickwarner
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Dec 31, 2012, 6:56 PM
Post #3 of 37
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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With HT on this one. Sounds like new box time if the flush doesn't work. You can mix a little Seafoam TransTune into the fluid and run it a bit to try to break loose some crap in the system.
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MarineGrunt
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Dec 31, 2012, 8:03 PM
Post #4 of 37
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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Thanks. If the box ends up needing replaced how bad of a job is it? Should I get a used one or new one? This truck
does have a leveling kit and I've heard it can be hell on certain components so I wonder if it had anything to do with it. Looks like my father-in-law's golf cart engine will have to wait until I get my truck done. It was smoking so he asked me to rebuild it. The culprit was a broken ring.
Hopefully a flush takes care of it. Do you just keep drain, add, drive, and repeat a few times?
I ran to the store before I posted this. If I turn the wheel back and forth about 5" each way you can hear like a clicky clunky noise coming from right around the pedals which I assume is where the steering box is. Is it still worth trying to flush?
(This post was edited by MarineGrunt on Dec 31, 2012, 8:35 PM)
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Hammer Time
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Dec 31, 2012, 8:36 PM
Post #5 of 37
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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The flush should be done no matter what because even a new box needs a clean system. Changing the box is no big deal if you have a pitman arm puller. I think it's like 1.2 hr. A pitman arm, 3 through bolts, 2 lines and a coupler.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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nickwarner
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Dec 31, 2012, 8:57 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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You said you're getting a clunk near the floor? Try one little thing first. Unhook the steering shaft from the steering box and turn that wheel a half turn each way. See if you still get a clunking binding feeling. If so you have either a bad column bearing or bad ujoints in the shaft.
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MarineGrunt
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Dec 31, 2012, 9:54 PM
Post #7 of 37
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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Will definitely flush first HT.
Nick, I did just came across some info about it could possibly being a bad shaft sector? I also saw some info about the u-joints. I guess it seems to be a common problem. Once I get around to doing your test I'll let you know the results. It might be a few days. But hey, at least I have the Venture to drive!
It's not really a clunking sound like I said. Well, kind of, just quieter than a clunk. Maybe crackling would be a better term. It's almost more of a feel than a noise but you can hear it. I'll spend a little more time feeling and listening tomorrow so I can explain it a little better.
Thanks guys.
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Hammer Time
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Jan 1, 2013, 5:18 AM
Post #8 of 37
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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Most of those issues won't define between left and right. A bad joint will give you binding in either direction, not just one way. There is an option on some truck for "Variable steering" that has a "steering wheel position sensor" at the bottom of the column that has a history of problems but i don't believe your truck is equipped with that feature.
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nickwarner
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Jan 1, 2013, 8:05 AM
Post #9 of 37
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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To answer your earlier question, a reman is just fine. I run one in my truck. Lot of trucks now you can only get a reman and not a new one.
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MarineGrunt
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Jan 1, 2013, 9:30 AM
Post #10 of 37
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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When I turn the wheel I hear the crackling noise no matter which way I turn it but the power steering is only affected when turning the wheel to the left. I need to crawl under it and take a closer look on how everything works. I've never messed with a steering box before. Besides power steering pumps and lines the only thing I've ever done that is close to the steering was disconnecting the rack on the Venture. I guess I'm going to have to learn something new.
What normally happens to a steering box to make it fail? I noticed they have rebuild kits. I think they mainly consist of seals and o-rings. Is that an option or should I just get the reman? The rebuild kit is $17 and the box is $150 online or $180 locally. I figured it would be more than that though.
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nickwarner
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Jan 1, 2013, 10:40 AM
Post #11 of 37
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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You don't have a leaking box, its internal valving issues. I'd get the reman. Watch out for the online stuff. This isn't light so shipping will get you and you'll have to mail back the core. This is a pretty simple bolt-on deal. Cakewalk compared to all the punishment you put yourself through last year.
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Sidom
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Jan 1, 2013, 12:28 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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I would verify if that truck has wheel postion sensor on the base of the column or not. If it does have one, it can be tested fairly quickly with an ohm meter. Hook the meter up to the sensor connecter after you unhook it it and turn the wheels for stop to stop, any big jumps in the reading of if it goes to o/l, that would indicate a bad sensor..
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Discretesignals
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Jan 1, 2013, 1:40 PM
Post #13 of 37
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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I could be wrong, but I thought they stopped using EVO on those trucks because they found the system was causing the pump to rob too much power at highway speeds.
One easy way to see if it does have EVO is look for the electrical solenoid on the back of the steering pump.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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MarineGrunt
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Jan 1, 2013, 6:17 PM
Post #14 of 37
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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I didn't get around to messing with it today but I do know that it does not have EVO. (Thanks for the diagram DS or else I wouldn't have had any idea what to look for)
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MarineGrunt
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Jan 3, 2013, 3:52 PM
Post #15 of 37
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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I changed out the gear box and started it up. Now it doesn't have any ps. The install seemed pretty cut and dry but is it possible that I could've hooked it up wrong? There are the 4 big teeth on the spline. Maybe I hooked the pitman a 1/4 off? I don't think so though. Maybe I just didn't get the splines all the way in the pitman? I used a flashlight to make sure I lined the big splines up so I'm pretty sure it's in right.
What's the best way to go about flushing? Before swapping it out I just kept pumping it out, adding more and repeated about 5 times. Is there any other way? Could I take the lines off and blow air through them?
(This post was edited by MarineGrunt on Jan 3, 2013, 4:11 PM)
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Hammer Time
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Jan 3, 2013, 4:56 PM
Post #16 of 37
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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No, you flushed it correctly. There really isn't any other good way. If you have no power at all, short of having the hoses crossed and I doubt that is even possible, you can only have a defective box. We have to assume the pump is good as it worked just prior to the repair. Having the Pitman arm on wrong will only effect the turning radius to one side. You can actually removed the arm and try it without it
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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nickwarner
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Jan 3, 2013, 6:00 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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Unhook the return line coming out of the box and start the engine. If fluid is coming through then you know the pump is working and the box is a dud. What brand was it?
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Hammer Time
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Jan 3, 2013, 6:03 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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Make sure you catch that oil if you do that. It's going to come out with a lot of pressure.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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MarineGrunt
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Jan 3, 2013, 6:04 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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Thanks HT. I was kind of wondering that but wanted to make sure I didn't do anything wrong. I even thought about throwing the old one back on just to see what it would do. With the old one on I at least has ps to the right and sometimes the left as long as I was on the gas. With the new one it's as if the truck has no ps system. No whining sound from the pump or anything. Just no ps which is a bunch of bs since the part was still wrapped in plastic. I'll just blame it on China like I usually do. I'll exchange it tomorrow and let you know the results.
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Discretesignals
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Jan 3, 2013, 6:59 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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I can see MG slipping around on his garage floor covered in power steering fluid trying to pinch the hose off while he yells for someone to turn the engine off.
Everyone knows about the pneumatic oil drainer fountain incidents...LOL.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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Discretesignals
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Jan 3, 2013, 7:12 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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exactly that one...I won't forget the day I first saw one go off like Old Faithful. Except this one didn't come out the funnel on top. The hose actually flew out of the drain barrel and was flailing around like one of those water toys the kids play in.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Jan 3, 2013, 7:15 PM)
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MarineGrunt
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Jan 3, 2013, 7:51 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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I missed your post earlier Nick. The wife and I went out to return some Christmas crap so I was on my phone.
The return line is the rubber hose that is clamped onto the fitting, correct? If so I should be able to just clamp a long piece of 3/8" hose to it and stick it in a bucket. I figure if I do it that way I won't have to drive north to slash somebody's tires for trying to pull a fast one on me. HT, I owe you a beer. Like HT said, the pump was working fine before but I guess it's worth checking first. I even drove the truck to pick the box up earlier and it worked fine except turning left and only when I took off from a complete stop. For the most part, the second I revved the engine it seemed to come out of it.
The brand is Fenco. I just picked one up from advanced since they had one in stock.
Besides the pump or box is there any other component that could cause complete ps loss?
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nickwarner
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Jan 3, 2013, 8:05 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra PS issue.
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Nope. Those two would be it. Getting a dud reman from advance isn't a new thing. I quit buying anything rebuilt from them about 4 years back because of it. I got a Cardone for my truck from Oreilly. Haven't had an issue with it.
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