Power Steering Pump?

[1978steven]

Well last night I was messing around with my step dad in his 2003 quad cab Hemi. He thinks it's the greatest thing alive, well my 4.8 ext cab showed him. He pulled me about a car length on take off then we cruised by him in second and left him in third. After we raced and played around I had to turn around in road and noticed my power steering wasn't working. We stopped on the side of the road to check it out. The pump is full with fluid and the belt and pulley are working fine. I got under the truck to check out the rack and pinion, and it appears to be ok. I got back in the truck and started it up then slowly opened the pump cap to check if I could see any movement of the fluid in the case. It doesn't seem to be moving, swirling, nor is the level changing. There are no leaks or anything. I drove it home and the rack and pinion seems to be working fine it does not jamb or stick at all in it's movement it just doesn't have power assist. I am pretty sure the pump has just gone out, but wanted to check with you guys to see what you all thought. Any help or thoughts would be great.

[Hit Man X]

Originally posted by 2001si3rr@@Dec 28 2003, 12:43 PM
Well last night I was messing around with my step dad in his 2003 quad cab Hemi. He thinks it's the greatest thing alive, well my 4.8 ext cab showed him. He pulled me about a car length on take off then we cruised by him in second and left him in third. After we raced and played around I had to turn around in road and noticed my power steering wasn't working. We stopped on the side of the road to check it out. The pump is full with fluid and the belt and pulley are working fine. I got under the truck to check out the rack and pinion, and it appears to be ok. I got back in the truck and started it up then slowly opened the pump cap to check if I could see any movement of the fluid in the case. It doesn't seem to be moving, swirling, nor is the level changing. There are no leaks or anything. I drove it home and the rack and pinion seems to be working fine it does not jamb or stick at all in it's movement it just doesn't have power assist. I am pretty sure the pump has just gone out, but wanted to check with you guys to see what you all thought. Any help or thoughts would be great.

Your pump sounds shot. If you give it any gas at lower does it help at all?

I used to roll an old '88 Lincoln TownCar and the pump died a few times in it. Locked up and couldn't drive. The other the internals seperated and the pump spun freely but wouldn't have an pressure flow for the power assist.

I'd assume the pump on the F-body is similar to the truck if not the same...so that being said try to find someone with theirs that is now a race car for the pump.

[1978steven]

It doesn't do anything when the truck is running or when I give it gas. I can drive it fine but it's a monster to turn at low speeds. I don't want to bend any of the rods on the rack and pinion so I get the truck moving first then slowly start steering. Do you think it will be ok till the weekend when I will get to replace it?

[Hit Man X]

Originally posted by 2001si3rr@@Dec 28 2003, 05:28 PM
It doesn't do anything when the truck is running or when I give it gas. I can drive it fine but it's a monster to turn at low speeds. I don't want to bend any of the rods on the rack and pinion so I get the truck moving first then slowly start steering. Do you think it will be ok till the weekend when I will get to replace it?

That's how that TownCar was...like manual steering almost.

I don't see why it would not be okay to drive that way...I have seen P/S cars converted to manual steering just ditch that pump. It's ghetto but works.

If your truck is an '01, do you still have any factory warranty left?

[goshawk23]

i'd say the pump was shot as well. if you don't have a warranty then i would either try one from a salvage yard or get a new one. depends on how money is. new is always better imo!

[Defunct SO]

I work at a GMC dealer and you need a new pump. The shaft has broken inside the pump. I have one sitting on my desk. I see maybe one every few months.
Sorry to give you the bad news

[1978steven]

Well the shaft is broke. I'll go to the salvage yard to see what I can find. I went to the dealer and it will cost me 200 to get it done. My truck just went out of warranty so I have a deductible to pay. It will cost me $353 just for the pump at the parts department at the dealer and they are the only ones who carry it. The good thing is I finally got my cam and springs in and the truck sounds awesome. I need to get with Allen to get the tune going. Well thanks for the help everyone.