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 (Without Hydroboost) Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Rack and Pinion) Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (With Hydroboost) 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 (Rack and Pinion) Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Without Hydroboost) Power Brake Booster Inlet Hose Replacement Power Brake Booster Outlet Hose Replacement Power Steering Gear Outlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Recirculating Ball) 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 (Parallel Hybrid Truck) 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) 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 (Without Hydroboost) Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Rack and Pinion) Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (With Hydroboost) 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 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) Power Steering Pump Replacement (Parallel Hybrid Truck) . 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) 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 . 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 (Steering Linkage Inspection) Steering Linkage Inspection (Idler Arm 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 (Without Hydroboost) Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Rack and Pinion) Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (With Hydroboost) 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 (Rack and Pinion) Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Without Hydroboost) Power Steering Gear Outlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Recirculating Ball) 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) 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 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) Power Steering Pump Replacement (Parallel Hybrid Truck) . 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) 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 . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | |
| 18 | Replace the worn steering linkage. Refer to Steering Linkage Inspection (Steering Linkage Inspection) Steering Linkage Inspection (Idler Arm 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) 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) Power Steering Pump Replacement (Parallel Hybrid Truck) . 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 (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-184199-S31379901412005082200000) 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-184156-S36358444172005082200000) .
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-184156-S36358444172005082200000) .
- 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-184199-S31379901412005082200000) 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-184156-S36358444172005082200000) .
| 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-184175-S17163319502005082200000) 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-184156-S36358444172005082200000)