No power steering

[sross]

I did a fas last month after leaving the cruiser parked for about 3 months due to work and not having time to do the FAS. First thing I noticed pulling out of the drive to take it to the auto-shop on post was that I had no power steering. While I had it on the lift to work on the axle I looked around and didn't see anything obvious. There were no lines dangling or anything like that. The ps pump doesn't whine and has plenty of fluid as that was my first thought. The belt is still on there and has enough tension to turn the pully on the pump while parked. I'm a newb mechanic and if I'm told to replace something I can do that but diagnostics are still out of my perview. I have a copy of the FSM but am hoping somebody has had a similar problem and its something easy to fix before I pull the pump off and rebuild it. Thanks

 

[IdahoDoug]

Hmm. Be sure to cross post to the 60/62 guys as they have this engine in their trucks. From 93 up the 80 had a 4.5L and the PS pump is completely different.

So, I take it the PS worked when you parked it, and now it simply doesn't work but there are no outward signs of distress (no squealing, groaning, etc)? Strange. Does the fluid in the pump smell burnt or any other hint?

DougM

 

[Sc0-]

pressure relief valve stuck open?

 

[CJF]

Power steering pumps go out; not that unusual.

With the motor running, pull the cap to the pump reservoir and check whether you can see any fluid movement at all. If not, 99% pump is at fault.

 

[sross]

i will check the fluid and smell it and do what CJF said. From previous board posts it doesn't sound like rebuilding the pump is that big a deal.