H3T Another steering rack issue...

[Mr_Rich]

Has anyone had a problem with high steering effort at slow speeds? When I do a lot of local driving my truck seems to drive like it has NO power assist. I take a drive on the freeway and after that it seems like it steers a little better for a while at the slower speeds. I'm wondering if the PS pump is marginal at this point. My truck has 63.5k miles at this time. I sent an e-mail to Flaming River as a general inquiry and they don't make any replacement steering parts for H3's at this time. I was expecting that, but I thought it was worth a try.
I'm using my truck as the DD for now until I get my K1500 running again.

 

[alrock]

It does sound like a failing pump. Have you checked the fluid level and/or condition? Might not hurt to exchange as much fluid as you can with new fluid. For the PS I take the simple route of extracting old fluid with a turkey baster and then pouring in new fluid.

 

[reaper]

I have a cracked rack that leaks. I need to add fluid every month or two until I fix it... if I let it go it sounds nasty when I turn and it's pretty hard to turn. Check your fluid... also check if you have movement in the passenger side of the rack, have someone turn the steering when you're underneath to look.

 

[Mr_Rich]

The PS fluid was the first thing I checked and it was at the proper level. No leaks that I can tell so far. I change my own engine oil and I look for problems like leaks when I have the shields removed. I may try a flush with fresh PS fluid. When I get done with my other vehicle I may replace the PS pump. I'm a mechanic and I have the tools so it would be easier for me than hassling with a warranty issue.
I do have some Hunner bushings to install when I get the time. I'm lining up my plan of attack at the moment.

 

[alrock]

I think I replaced my PS pump at around 70K. Wasn't a bad job and I went ahead and put on a new belt and new idler pulley at the same time. Ironically, the hardest part of the job was getting the belt back on.