Power Steering Fluid Leaks
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Power Steering System General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System |
| 2 | Verify that power steering fluid leaks are present. Is the power steering system leaking? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Inspect the power steering system fittings. Are the fittings leaking? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the power steering hoses. Are the hoses leaking? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the power steering pump and the reservoir for leaks. Is the power steering pump or reservoir leaking? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the power steering gear for leaks. Is the power steering gear leaking? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Inspect the hydraulic brake booster assembly for leaks. Is the hydraulic brake booster assembly leaking? | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Inspect the power steering cooler for leaks. Is the power steering cooler leaking? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 3 |
| 9 | Tighten the fittings. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 10 | Replace the power steering hoses. Refer to the appropriate procedure(s): Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (With Hydroboost) , Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Without Hydroboost) , Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Rack and Pinion) or Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Parallel Hybrid Truck) Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (With Hydroboost) , Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Without Hydroboost) or Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Rack and Pinion) Power Brake Booster Inlet Hose Replacement Power Brake Booster Outlet Hose Replacement Power Steering Gear Outlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Recirculating Ball) or Power Steering Gear Outlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Rack and Pinion) Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 11 | Replace the power steering pump or reservoir. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.3L) , Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L) , Power Steering Pump Replacement (8.1L) , Power Steering Pump Replacement (6.6L Diesel) , Power Steering Pump Replacement (5.3L w/RPO HP2) or Power Steering Reservoir Replacement - Off Vehicle . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 12 | Replace the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement (Rack and Pinion) or Power Steering Gear Replacement (Non Rack and Pinion) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 13 | Replace the hydraulic brake booster assembly. Refer to Hydraulic Brake Booster Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 14 | Replace the power steering cooler. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (With Hydroboost) , Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Without Hydroboost) , Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Rack and Pinion) or Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Parallel Hybrid Truck) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 15 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Power Steering Fluid Leaks
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Power Steering System General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System |
| 2 | Verify that a rattle, clunk or shudder noise is present. Is a rattle, clunk or shudder noise present? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Inspect the power steering hoses for proper routing and clearance. Is the routing or clearance of the power steering hoses incorrect? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the engine drive belt for cracking or excessive wear. Refer to one of the following procedures: Drive Belt Excessive Wear Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical - 4.3L Drive Belt Excessive Wear Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical - 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L Drive Belt Excessive Wear Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical - 6.6L (LLY) Drive Belt Excessive Wear Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical - 8.1L Is the drive belt cracked or excessively worn? | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the power steering pump pulley for damage. Is the power steering pump pulley damaged? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the power steering pump and the power steering mounting bracket/brace for the proper installation. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.3L) , Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L) , Power Steering Pump Replacement (8.1L) , Power Steering Pump Replacement (6.6L Diesel) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (5.3L w/RPO HP2) . Is the power steering pump installation incorrect? | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Inspect the power steering gear for the proper installation. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement (Rack and Pinion) or Power Steering Gear Replacement (Non Rack and Pinion) . Is the power steering gear installation incorrect? | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Inspect the steering gear bearing preload for the proper adjustment. Refer to Worm Thrust Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle (700 Gear) . Is the steering gear bearing preload adjustment incorrect? | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 9 |
| 9 | Inspect the steering linkage. Refer to Steering Linkage Inspection in Steering Linkage. Is the steering linkage worn? | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 10 |
| 10 | Inspect the suspension. Is the suspension worn? | Go to Step 19 | Go to Step 11 |
| 11 | Inspect the intermediate shaft. Is the intermediate shaft worn? | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 3 |
| 12 | Adjust or replace the hoses. Refer to the appropriate procedures: Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (With Hydroboost) , Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Without Hydroboost) , Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Rack and Pinion) or Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Parallel Hybrid Truck) Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (With Hydroboost) , Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Without Hydroboost) or Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Rack and Pinion) Power Steering Gear Outlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Recirculating Ball) or Power Steering Gear Outlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Rack and Pinion) Power Brake Booster Inlet Hose Replacement Power Brake Booster Outlet Hose Replacement Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | |
| 13 | Replace the engine drive belt. Refer to the following procedures: Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 4.3L Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory (4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L Engines) or Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory (5.3L Engine w/RPO HP2) in Engine Mechanical - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 6.6L (LLY) Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory in Engine Mechanical - 8.1L Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | |
| 14 | Replace the power steering pump pulley. Refer to Power Steering Pulley Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | |
| 15 | Install the power steering pump correctly. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.3L) , Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L) , Power Steering Pump Replacement (8.1L) , Power Steering Pump Replacement (6.6L Diesel) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (5.3L w/RPO HP2) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | |
| 16 | Install the power steering gear correctly. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement (Rack and Pinion) or Power Steering Gear Replacement (Non Rack and Pinion) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | |
| 17 | Adjust the steering gear bearing preload. Refer to Worm Thrust Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle (700 Gear) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | |
| 18 | Replace the worn steering linkage. Refer to Steering Linkage Inspection in Steering Linkage. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | |
| 19 | Replace the worn suspension components. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Suspension General Diagnosis in Suspension General Diagnosis. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | |
| 20 | Replace the intermediate shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement - Upper , or to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement - Lower in Steering Wheel and Column. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | |
| 21 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Power Steering System General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System |
| 2 | Verify that a whine or growl noise is present. Is a whine or growl noise present? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Perform the power steering test procedure in order to diagnose a hydraulic condition and repair or replace a component. Refer to Power Steering System Test Procedure . Is there a hydraulic problem in the system? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the power steering gear for a whine or growl noise using J 39570 . Is the noise present at the power steering gear? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the power steering pump for a whine or growl noise using J 39570 . Is the noise present at the power steering pump? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the power steering hoses for a whine or growl noise using J 39570 . Is the noise present at the power steering hoses? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 3 |
| 7 | Replace the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement (Rack and Pinion) or Power Steering Gear Replacement (Non Rack and Pinion) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 10 | |
| 8 | Replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.3L) , Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L) , Power Steering Pump Replacement (8.1L) , Power Steering Pump Replacement (6.6L Diesel) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (5.3L w/RPO HP2) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 10 | |
| 9 | Adjust the routing of the power steering hoses. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 10 | |
| 10 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Whine or Growl Noise from the Power Steering System
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid (With Hydroboost)
Note. When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
- If the power steering system has been serviced, bleed the power steering system to remove any trapped air from the system. Refer to «Bleeding the Power Steering System»(ref-238245-S37963845102006072400000) .
- Fully charge the hydro-boost accumulator using the following procedure: Start the engine. Firmly apply the brake pedal 2 to 3 times. Turn the engine Off.
- Clean the area surrounding the reservoir cap.
- Remove the reservoir cap.
- Inspect the power steering pump fluid level at regular intervals. Add fluid when required. Refer to «Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations»(ref-238237-S14219643232006072400000) in Maintenance and Lubrication.
- If the fluid level is low, add power steering fluid to the proper level.
- Install the reservoir cap.
- When checking the fluid level after servicing the steering system, bleed the air from the system. Refer to «Bleeding the Power Steering System»(ref-238245-S37963845102006072400000) .
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid (Without Hydroboost)
Note. When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
- Clean the area surrounding the reservoir cap.
- Remove the reservoir cap.
- Inspect the power steering pump fluid level at regular intervals. Use the appropriate procedure below. Add fluid when required. Refer to «Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations»(ref-238237-S14219643232006072400000) in Maintenance and Lubrication. Fluid Is Cold Remove the reservoir cap. Inspect the fluid level on the capstick. Ensure that the fluid level is between the bottom of the COLD/FULL mark and the end of the capstick. Fluid Is Hot Run the engine until the fluid reaches about 80°C (170°F). Turn the engine OFF. Remove the reservoir cap. Inspect the fluid level on the capstick. Ensure that the fluid level is between the HOT/FULL and the COLD/FULL marks on the capstick.
- If the fluid level is low, add power steering fluid to the proper level.
- Install the reservoir cap.
- When checking the fluid level after servicing the steering system, bleed the air from the system. Refer to «Bleeding the Power Steering System»(ref-238245-S37963845102006072400000) .
| IMPORTANT | Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid regardless of appearance or condition. |
- Turn off the engine.
- Raise the front end of the vehicle off the ground until the tires and wheels turn freely. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-238215-S26215505352006072400000) in General Information.
- Place a large container under the fluid return hose in order to collect the draining fluid.
- Remove the fluid return hose at the power steering pump reservoir inlet connection.
- Plug the reservoir return hose inlet connection on the power steering pump.
- Run the engine at idle while an assistant maintains the fluid level at FULL COLD in the reservoir using new approved power steering fluid.
- Turn off the engine.
- Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right.
- Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection.
- Install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
- Maintain the fluid level at FULL COLD.
- Operate the engine at idle for approximately 15 minutes.
- Repeat steps 3-5.
- Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination: Milky fluid - water Brown fluid - burnt Plastic debris or dirt chunks
- If the fluid is contaminated, repeat steps 6-12 in order to complete a third flush.
- Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection.
- Install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
- Clean any spilled fluid.
- Bleed the power steering system. Refer to «Bleeding the Power Steering System»(ref-238245-S37963845102006072400000)