power steering issues
 

Hey guys and gals

Ive got an 1996 silverado with a noisy power steering pump and at low rpms becomes very stiff my question is would that be a simple as replacing the pump.Are these symptoms of a bad pump or do i have bigger problems how can i diagnose.

Thanx

RE: power steering issues
 

How does it work? Is it electronic or engine vaccum powered?

RE: power steering issues
 

The pump runs off the serpentine belt so i would assume that would be engine assisted
Thanx for replying

RE: power steering issues
 

power steering pump on these vehicles is operated through the serpentine belt system. yes a pump failure can result in low assist pressures at low RPM's and will also whine.

common failure is the pump shaft, but when that fails, no assist is present.

when you replace it, its a easy repair, but also make sure you replace any o-rings on your pressure lines that you remove from the pump, and also flush your power steering system. get all the junk out of the lines from the pump failure.