2009 H3T Alpha - Power Steering issues at low RPMs only

[mavrikjc]

So out of nowhere (truck has had no issues other than a mucked Transmission Pan leak thanks to the good folks at Jiffy Lube) my power steering decides to sporadically go MIA/stop working (nearly completely) at low RPMs.

Example: You are about to miss your exit on the highway so you brake hard and start to get over the right lane to make your exit (braking, low RPMs) and the steering wheel becomes VERY stiff and difficult to turn.

Example: You are slowly creeping into a tight parking spot at your local Wally World and suddenly your steering becomes very stiff (low RPMs).

I'm getting the unusual pump whine noise whenever this happens.

I did the trick where you sit on gravel, put the vehicle in neutral, turn the steering wheel left then right (to full lock) and have difficulty And pump whine. Then, while still in NEUTRAL (in the event anyone reads this and try's it), slowly increase RPMs by giving it some gas and then turn the wheel - no issues/difficulty/stiffness and no pump whine when RPMs get over 1000-1500.

I've heard some folks say replace the whole pump, and others say it could be aeration in the pump lines. I haven't done anything to the rack/steering/changed fluid/anything. Also, the problem is sporadic. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it's just fine (low RPMs, pulling into parking spots, etc.).

I've got a trip to Barnwell Mountain on the 24-27 in Gilmer, TX and don't want to deal with this on the trail so thinking of just replacing the pump unless someone else has dealt with this and has any ideas...

Also, checked for leaks/hoses/etc. and nothing visible (or at least nothing easily detectable, drips on ground, etc.).

I read in a general auto mechanics forum that my serpentine belt tensioner may just need tightened up a bit and could be "slipping" at low RPM but curious if any one else had the issue.

I'm about to lift the front-end up and do the bleeding procedure but curious how air could have entered a "closed' system... Then take a look at my belt tensioner...

Worth at shot though till I hear any other ideas?

Thanks in advance!

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[alrock]

Replace the pump, these are the typical symptoms for a failing pump. Go OEM, new. My O'Reilly one (new) lasted three weeks before it failed. The symptoms matched exactly your symptoms.

The main reason a belt would be slipping at low RPM is if something that's on the belt is failing.

 

[mavrikjc]

Thanks @alrock. I figure switching out tensioner etc is just as much a pain in the @ss as just doing the pump... I'll order one and advise on the outcome...


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[Hunner]

Did you check the boots on the steering rack for leaking fluid?

The seals can be leaking and if the boot is securely fastened it may contain some fluid so you don't see it.

If that is the case the rack seals are leaking and allowing air in and fluid out.

If you do the purging and it fixes it but comes back, well................

Just another possibility.

 

[mavrikjc]

I didn't @Hunner. I ordered an OEM pump at stealership ($196) and plan on putting it on today. Before I get it out of the box though, I'll check the rack. I saw an old post by Bebe that said if it is intermittent whining it is air in the lines for sure... Will update on outcome after I get under the hood today...


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[mavrikjc]

Joy. Can anybody tell me where the belt tensioner is on the H3T Alpha? I'm out here trying to replace steering pump and for the life of me can't find the tensioner. Looks like all the steering pump replacement guides were for the H3's and the Alpha 5.3 v8's apparently have a totally different setup (including the power steering assembly being on the driver vs. passenger side).

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[alrock]

Hmm, looking at thingys online shows that the V8 doesn't even have a tensioner, or maybe not as traditional of one. But looking at things like this show it to be at the upper right.

 

[mavrikjc]

Hmm, looking at thingys online shows that the V8 doesn't even have a tensioner, or maybe not as traditional of one. But looking at things like this show it to be at the upper right.

Thanks @alrock.

Sooooo. Even after getting the GM guide - this doesn't look like an afternoon job.

For anybody else with a 2009 H3T Alpha (V8), the tensioner (at least on mine) does NOT have a 3/8 opening. It uses a 15mm nut on the face of the tensioner pulley and you just throw a breaker bar with a 15mm and lift up.

Also, it does not appear there is any way in hell the power steering pump is coming out (or new one going back in) without removing the fan and shroud at minimum - possibly the entire radiator.

There is about 2" clearance between the power steering pump pulley and the fan (at best). Getting a pulley puller on it with the fan there is impossible (I tried).

Then considered going through the face of the pulley (there are holes) to get to the mounting bolts and realized even if I got the mounting bolts off there is no way to lift the pump out with the fan and radiator in the way (or none that I could tell).

If someone else with an 2009 H3T Alpha (V8) has done this before w/o taking out their fan/radiator, please let me know. Otherwise, despite my preference for wrenching on my own ride, I'll probably have my local reputable mechanic deal with it while out of town tomorrow and Tuesday.

Also, since this thread started with an ask for diagnosis, I'll note that I sucked out ALL the power steering fluid after I gave up on doing the pump myself, then replaced with new clear fluid (my used fluid looked damn near like used motor oil) and did the "bleed procedure" (wheels off ground, left to lock, right to lock, 10x, check level, repeat). It DID make a difference with new fluid, but at a stop when I try and turn my steering wheel I'm still getting a pretty bad whine from the PS pump.

Definitely better, but not the buttery smoothness I had prior to this...

Unless I hear about some magical method of teleporting the PS pump out and new one back in without having to pull my radiator, I'll update on outcome after new OEM Factory pump goes on this week...


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[citiboy]

From GM Service Manual.

Power Steering Pump Replacement (LH8)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9jQ-XIN5GaPZ0E0ZVRfYUFUSVk/view?usp=sharing

Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement (LH8)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9jQ-XIN5GaPTmRVMWlyQnVoZWs/view?usp=sharing

Power Steering Gear Inlet and Outlet Hose Replacement (LH8)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9jQ-XIN5GaPcmktSWVybFJkdmM/view?usp=sharing

Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Replacement
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9jQ-XIN5GaPTnkySE9YMFY0RWs/view?usp=sharing

Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory (LH8)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9jQ-XIN5GaPVE9Ndy1UenVfSTQ/view?usp=sharing

Hope this helps!