No power steering below 1k rpm
11-03-2011, 11:09 PM
#1
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No power steering below 1k rpm I swapped a 5.3l lm7 into my 79 chevy 4x4 as known by now.
Well the problem im running into is a lose power steering it feels like at idle or anywhere below like 1k to 1200 rpm.
Its still got the original 5.3l saginaw pump mounted to the accessory bracket.
only thing i can think of its because its on 38.5 tires.... but my friend has a stock 350, with his stock power steering turning 38's just fine even at 700 rpm idle...
mine will turn about a 1/4 turn on the wheel, just enough to get the truck to stand up a little and it wont do anything, unless brought up to higher RPM.
COULD THIS PUMP BE WORN OUT? OR HAS SOMEONE ELSE RAN INTO THIS PROBLEM?
POSSIBLY A SMALLER PULLEY?
Well the problem im running into is a lose power steering it feels like at idle or anywhere below like 1k to 1200 rpm.
Its still got the original 5.3l saginaw pump mounted to the accessory bracket.
only thing i can think of its because its on 38.5 tires.... but my friend has a stock 350, with his stock power steering turning 38's just fine even at 700 rpm idle...
mine will turn about a 1/4 turn on the wheel, just enough to get the truck to stand up a little and it wont do anything, unless brought up to higher RPM.
COULD THIS PUMP BE WORN OUT? OR HAS SOMEONE ELSE RAN INTO THIS PROBLEM?
POSSIBLY A SMALLER PULLEY?
11-06-2011, 01:53 AM
#5
My guess is the pump is shot. But its just that, a guess.
Too many other variables I am not familiar with.
However, if its whining that would lead me to believe it was still good, or partially.. Maybe on its way out.
If its completely gone I would think it wouldn't make any noise.
Too many other variables I am not familiar with.
However, if its whining that would lead me to believe it was still good, or partially.. Maybe on its way out.
If its completely gone I would think it wouldn't make any noise.
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11-06-2011, 09:03 AM
#8
Check a couple of things.
What fittings did you use to connect the pump to the gearbox? are you getting enough flow? Check the fittings to make sure that the orifice in each end isn't constricting flow.
Are your hoses rated for Power Steering? I've seen incorrect steering hoses collapse.
Did you bleed the air out by slowly going lock to lock 15-20 times
What fittings did you use to connect the pump to the gearbox? are you getting enough flow? Check the fittings to make sure that the orifice in each end isn't constricting flow.
Are your hoses rated for Power Steering? I've seen incorrect steering hoses collapse.
Did you bleed the air out by slowly going lock to lock 15-20 times
11-07-2011, 02:57 AM
#9
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yeah ive bled it. and its the original steering lines.
NON hydro Boost.
it seems to basically lock up at low rpm. sometimes around a corner it almost feels worse than no power steering. like the gearbox jams up its that tough at times.
NON hydro Boost.
it seems to basically lock up at low rpm. sometimes around a corner it almost feels worse than no power steering. like the gearbox jams up its that tough at times.
11-15-2011, 12:33 AM
#11
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i guess ill start with the new pump. hopefully this works, or helps. its scary driving on the streets and possibly loosing steering halfway through a turn and there being a car on the other side...
11-15-2011, 01:24 AM
#12
I vote pump. I had a pump go bad so I replaced it with a parts store reman job which lasted less than two weeks. My replacement pumps The symptoms of my replacement pump were intermittent yet identical to yours - except this is in a car with low profile tires on 17" wheels. I seriously thought the steering rack was gone because it would get to a point and stop like I maxed the steering. 
I swapped out the replacement pump and my problem was solved.
Hope this helps.
I swapped out the replacement pump and my problem was solved. Hope this helps.
11-15-2011, 02:17 AM
#13
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I vote pump. I had a pump go bad so I replaced it with a parts store reman job which lasted less than two weeks. My replacement pumps The symptoms of my replacement pump were intermittent yet identical to yours - except this is in a car with low profile tires on 17" wheels. I seriously thought the steering rack was gone because it would get to a point and stop like I maxed the steering. I swapped out the replacement pump and my problem was solved.
Hope this helps.
I swapped out the replacement pump and my problem was solved. Hope this helps.
so it makes me thing gear box is almost binding up or something is getting in a bind. but it still doesnt have power steering at low rpm. so ill give that replacement a try
11-15-2011, 08:03 AM
#14
Have you checked the relief valve? [It's in the fitting that the hi psi hose hooks to.]
There may be a shim in it. If so, you can remove the shim and raise the op psi.
Normally that pump will operate between 1250 and 1450psi.
Alignment correct?? You mention it "raises up when you steer"...Sounds like a bunch of caster in it.
Could also be other suspension system parts running in a a bind...
As far as pump size.. they've been mostly the same since the LS engines came out. [Hydroboost is different only in the return line setup.]
Don't know what yr your 5.3 is, but there's many documented pump failures w/ these systems.
[I have a noisy ,05/6.0 pump I'm dealing with on the 55.]
Am changing out to a NEW Delco pump, today. As mentioned no rebuilts here...$156.00 @ the local Chebby dlr.
There may be a shim in it. If so, you can remove the shim and raise the op psi.
Normally that pump will operate between 1250 and 1450psi.
Alignment correct?? You mention it "raises up when you steer"...Sounds like a bunch of caster in it.
Could also be other suspension system parts running in a a bind...
As far as pump size.. they've been mostly the same since the LS engines came out. [Hydroboost is different only in the return line setup.]
Don't know what yr your 5.3 is, but there's many documented pump failures w/ these systems.
[I have a noisy ,05/6.0 pump I'm dealing with on the 55.]
Am changing out to a NEW Delco pump, today. As mentioned no rebuilts here...$156.00 @ the local Chebby dlr.
Last edited by Old Geezer; 11-15-2011 at 08:09 AM.
???
11-15-2011, 11:20 AM
#16
I had somewhat the same problem of the lock up.... The pump is from a 99 LS1, Steering box is a OEM Chevelle. It was locking up from time to time, I increase the Engine RPM or just mucled the wheel.
I then added a 2002 Pump cooler (inline with the upper radator hose) and the lock up were gone..
BC
I might be too much pressure or fluid is getting too hot ?. Might try adding a cooler or check and change the releif valve.
I then added a 2002 Pump cooler (inline with the upper radator hose) and the lock up were gone..
BC
I might be too much pressure or fluid is getting too hot ?. Might try adding a cooler or check and change the releif valve.
11-15-2011, 03:03 PM
#17
Just got back from the dlr. I asked the serv writer about failures. He had just done a pump on an Escalade w/ 24" rubber on it...The problem was poor steering at idle/sitting still., pump noise. He also said they'd not had a rash of pump failures...
11-15-2011, 08:20 PM
#19
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I know it sounds kinda stupid, but try jacking the front of the truck up in the air as high as you can and run the truck, going from lock to lock for a minute or two, I've had problems on suburbans and silverados doing exactly as you described, and the problem is an air pocket, somehow (I don't exactly know how), that only comes out when the pump gets back at an angle. I've had 5 or 6 replacements do this to me, and jacking it up works. May or may not work for you, but it has for me, and it costs nothing to try.
11-16-2011, 01:28 AM
#20
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I know it sounds kinda stupid, but try jacking the front of the truck up in the air as high as you can and run the truck, going from lock to lock for a minute or two, I've had problems on suburbans and silverados doing exactly as you described, and the problem is an air pocket, somehow (I don't exactly know how), that only comes out when the pump gets back at an angle. I've had 5 or 6 replacements do this to me, and jacking it up works. May or may not work for you, but it has for me, and it costs nothing to try.
(i dont like REMAN as well, but its lifetime warantee)
jacking it up in the morning and going to run it lock to lock.
the pressure relieve is in there, and has the spring and all in there as well.
as mentioned above, about the shim?? i didnt see one. but its all put back together now.
