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Posted

Apparently I am having trouble with pesky power steering issues here in the shop :lol: And parts companies...

 

apx. 114535 miles

 

Customer complaint... intermitent hard steering...

 

Customer has warranty on used vehicle

 

Replaced power steering pump, pressure hose, blew out return hoses, and replaced steering gear as well.

 

First p/s pump leaked steady stream through front of pump (replaced again)

 

Second p/s pump was extremely noisey (replaced again)

 

Steering gear leaking at pitman arm seal (replaced again)

 

(Can you tell I'm getting tired of this local parts company????)

 

As well replaced serpentine belt tensioner... Starting to think I'm working on a Ford at this point...

 

Customer is still having hard steering issue...

 

During installation w/ key on engine off... turned steering wheel lock to lock apx 30 times, checked fluid filled as nec... started vehicle briefly, checked fluid, ran vehicle for apx 20 secs... checked fluid again, ran vehicle, turned steering wheel lock to lock apx ten times checked fluid level again.... Road tested vehicle... P/S works well under load and driving conditions... EXCEPT..... AT A STOP SIGN OR LOW SPEED DRIVING virtually no power assist.

 

My assumption is still air bubbles in lines, or possibly the use of only power steering fluid with no ATF in the mix.... ERRRRR very annoying issue here guys between a run of bad luck on parts, and one of the most simple power steering system designs in production,... I'm breathless at this point. I suggested to my customer to drive the vehicle and put about 50 miles on it to possibly allow the air bubbles to work themselves out, and or to bring it back to the shop in a couple days for further diagnosis (seriously I'm starting to look like the village idiot here in my own head) :unsure:

Posted (edited)

Does this vehicle have the "speed sensitive steering"? If so, the speed sensor on the steering column is probably going bad.

Edited by DewayneP
Posted

I'll look into those things guys, just odd that I'm already on my third pump. I don't have a pressure gauge so I'll start looking for one of those. I also ran across a hydroboost bleeding procedure on Mitchell, I'll give that a try as well. Customer should be coming back into the shop today.

Posted

If you haven't done so already you may want to try a different pump manufacturer.

 

 

The first TWO were A1 Cardone, the one currently on the vehicle is an AC Delco... all of which are remans... Personally I would have preferred to install a new pump, but working with his "warranty company", they only wanted to pay for a reman of course, and as well expected me to only charge them what my price was on the pump. I hate to turn away work under any circumstance, but as of now I am surely loosing my rear on this one.

Posted

If it turns out to be the pump, who pays for that? I know the answer already...

 

Make sure you go thru that entire system. Start from the basics and don't assume anything.

 

LOL that's a good one... I'm susposed to get paid twice from A1 Cardone and once more on the gear box... I almost would of been better off getting the parts from Autozone.. HA HA HA... (they're usually good with paying labor at least)...

 

I have one last trick up my sleeve, I'm going to pull the fitting out of the back of the pump and drill it out to the next size up, and sneak a washer behind the spring... Then head down to my friends shop if that doesn't do the trick and hook up his pressure gauge and see what's going on from there... Funny thing is he's got a 99 silverado he's fighting as well, except I think his is a gear box. (only having problems from one direction on power assist). We may just end up crashing both trucks into each other for fun :lol:

Posted

I had one similar to this one a few weeks ago. My father-in-law's 02 GMC 1500 had hard steering turning right only and the left turn was normal. I ended up replacing the steering gear box and the problem was solved. Not a power steering pump issue on the one I had.

Posted

Just finally got the truck back to the shop from the customer... Pulling the pump again and drilling the valve out to the next size up, and possibly shimming the spring as well. If not then its off to my friends shop for a pressure test as well... Fingers crossed

 

As well I don't believe this truck has speed sensitive steering either.

Posted (edited)

Drilling and shimming the spring and valve didn't help whatsoever... Starting to lean towards another junk A1 Cardone gearbox...OR About to try my luck with an AC Delco/ and or GM Reman... Now for the fun part trying to convince the customer to pay the difference for the "good" parts I originally quoted the job out for, instead of the junk parts the used car warranty company only wanted to pay for...

 

Lesson for me learned the hard way... It's my way or the highway for now on!

Edited by HTI.WERKSTATT
Posted

So far no luck with the third gear box. Has seemed to help a little bit, although only at a complete stop now does it loose power assist. Not sure if this truck actually has hydroboost or not (not to familiar with that system), it does appear to have a p/s fluid cooler in behind the grill, although I did blow out the lines return from pump and return from gear, to clear out any possible obstructions. Even bled the system as if it did possibly have hydroboost just in case. Waiting on a new belt to get here for fun, visibly no cracks, possibly stretched??? If this doesn't do it, I'll have to fold at this point, customer only owes 150.00 at this point, it will be worth it to me to possibly a) loose the 150.00 owed plus a new belt, B) this customer, and get back to work on jobs I've had to turn away due to my rack being tied up, as well as the dealership next door to me. :angry::(

Posted

So far got 1200 psi max with valve closed on Kent Moore P/S pressure tester... then 1200psi max on lock to lock both sides... although this is with the wheels up in the air. So far this morning noticed power assist while on gravel at a complete stop... pulled onto concrete and started loosing power assist... I'm not giving up yet! Goanna get this thing off the rack with the pressure tester hooked up until I can drive in lot and duplicate problem yet again and check pressures. Will post up what I find one way or the other...

Posted

So far got 1200 psi max with valve closed on Kent Moore P/S pressure tester... then 1200psi max on lock to lock both sides... although this is with the wheels up in the air. So far this morning noticed power assist while on gravel at a complete stop... pulled onto concrete and started loosing power assist... I'm not giving up yet! Goanna get this thing off the rack with the pressure tester hooked up until I can drive in lot and duplicate problem yet again and check pressures. Will post up what I find one way or the other...

 

 

 

SPEC IS 1350-1450 PSI... GAUGE COULD EVEN BE OFF 150 PSI.... IF I jack up the front of the truck power assist comes back, it does have after market 20" wheels and tires.. (tires are wider).... going to try oem wheels next??? Thinking that guys run 20-26" wheels all day long and don't have issues is my only concern, and 31-36s... ERRR

Posted

does it run ok? plugs and injectors good? Ive seen low power at idle cause accessories to do strange things. If they have oversize tires chances are the did something to "make more power".

 

 

At this point, while I was able to duplicate the problem of no power assist with the pressure analyzer hooked up. I still peaked at 1200 psi, as well lock to lock left or right I was peaking at 1200 psi on both sides. I did however jack up the front of the truck slightly until we regained power assist. I'll be putting on my customers factory wheels and tires in the front and trying again... (as the factory tires are apx 3" narrower in width).

 

As far as any modifications there are none.

 

As well as far as any suspension problems I have already corrected a loose idler arm (only), and the pitman arm. I can't see any problems with suspension binding up at this point as well.

Posted

Curious as to where you have the pressure guage hooked up? If it is directly off of the pump can you move it to the PS box? Perhaps the pressure hose is failing internally?

Posted

PROBLEM SOLVED!!!!!!!!!!!

 

PUT FACTORY WHEELS BACK ON

 

 

This is the first time in 11 years that I have ever had an issue with plus sized wheels as far as a power steering issue, what a relief!

Posted

That's good to know but what a crap design. GM only designed that with just enough to handle the stock wheels? So much for heavy duty. LOL

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

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      The Technician Shortage Is Our Fault, And It's Time We Own It
      Nearly every day, I hear shop owners complain: "There's a technician shortage. We can't find qualified people. There's no one out there." If that's true, then who's to blame?
      The industry? The schools? The government? I don't know how you feel, but who promised us an endless supply of qualified technicians?
      Another common complaint is that young people do not want to work in the trades. Well, if that were true, then why are other trades such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing growing? What are they doing that the automotive industry is not? 
      Here's the reality we need to face: We do have a problem, but we shouldn't look for someone or any entity to rescue us. Not the government. Not the trade schools. Not the recruiting companies. No one owes us a workforce. If we want great people in our industry, it's up to us. At some point, we need to own up to the truth: Building a pipeline of qualified technicians is our responsibility.
      In this blog article, I will break down the key reasons we are in this situation today and what we, as an industry, can do to solve the technician shortage. Are you ready to look in the mirror?
      Have We Pushed Technicians Away?
      Let's take a look at flat-rate pay. True flat rate, which pays a technician only for the hours they produce, is a controversial pay plan that emphasizes high production levels and creates a competitive work environment that, if not properly controlled, can lead to increased mistakes and a decline in morale and team spirit. Additionally, the stress and physical demands placed on technicians as they age are not favorable to long-term employee retention. What do we do with technicians as they grow older into their fifties and begin to slow down? 
      I have heard all the arguments and pros and cons of flat-rate pay, and I am not going to judge any pay plan. Let the facts speak for themselves. True flat rate has changed in most areas around the country and has evolved into a pay plan that gives technicians some pay guarantee.
      Many shop owners have learned that team morale, along with the opportunity to earn income, is important to technicians and to the company's long-term success. But let me ask you: how many technicians have left or been pushed out over the years because of the old flat-rate pay system?
      Another issue is the workplace environment. I remember being grateful to be hired as a young technician at a local repair shop. While very thankful, the work environment was not ideal. The shop owner kept the bay doors open year-round (I am from New York) unless it rained or snowed. He felt that if the bay doors were closed, customers might think we were closed for business. We had no heat and no hot water. Many of the jobs were done outside, year-round,  in all types of weather. The starting pay was minimum wage, with no benefits, sick days, or vacation pay. 
      Now, again, I need to point out that I was truly grateful for the opportunity this shop owner gave me. I learned a lot working there, and the experience was pivotal in my career. But looking back, I wonder how many people were discouraged by these working conditions?
      While the physical demands of the repair workplace are daunting, perhaps even more critical is the culture. Too many of my generation shop owners preached the mindset of "my way or the highway." We were the business owners, after all. We started our companies, took all the risks, and provided jobs. Why shouldn't we be the ones to set the ground rules our way?   
      Many of us found over the years that the "my way or the highway" mentality was a sure way to isolate employees and make them more likely to look over the fence for greener grass. In other words, it led many technicians to seek employment elsewhere, where they felt they could be appreciated and recognized for their hard work. The issue, however, was that there wasn't much green grass around. Disappointment after disappointment, bouncing from repair to repair shop, eventually led to despair. So, I ask you: were workplace conditions a contributing factor in today's technician shortage?
      Another factor that we are all well aware of is the complexity of the modern automobile. When I started, the work was mostly physical, and you were required to master essentially three vehicle models: General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Let's fast-forward to today. The evolution of automotive technology, along with the extensive training and tools required, has outpaced the typical technician's pay compensation, with no clear career path. Again, leading to frustration and insecurity about the future.
      Here is the bottom line: people don't leave their job; they leave their experience. We must do a better job. 
      The News Isn't all Bad; Your Next Steps to Fix the Technician Shortage
      To fix the technician shortage, it will take a combined effort from everyone in the automotive industry, particularly automotive shop owners. Shop owners are in the perfect position to make the greatest impact, not only on their businesses but also on the future automotive workforce.
      First, shop owners must become better leaders and understand that their ultimate success is directly dependent on the people they assemble around them. Any shop owner who mistakenly believes they can build an empire solely on their abilities is destined for serious disappointment. Business owners who think like this will eventually plateau. Without the collective contributions from a team of qualified people, your business will stall; it will not continue to grow.
      Create a workplace that attracts top talent: a clean, professional, well-equipped facility designed to support productivity, teamwork, and a career, not just a job. Build a great reputation in your community by getting involved locally. Become the auto repair shop that people take notice of as "the" place to work.
      Next, shop owners must become more financially knowledgeable. Knowing your numbers and what you need to achieve for a strong bottom-line profit is essential to paying technicians the money they need and deserve. Profit will also allow you to compete with other trade industries by providing a benefits package that has real take-home value and security.
      When it comes to culture, this is where the rubber hits the road. People crave recognition, praise, and a sense of purpose. Despite what you hear, people are not just money-motivated. Once people feel secure in their financial situation, retaining and motivating technicians can only be achieved by connecting with them on an emotional level. You cannot show enough appreciation. Give out praise for a job well done as if your business depended on it, because it does.
      As technicians age, we need to have a place for them. Expecting a 58-year-old to perform like a 35-year-old is unrealistic. We need to be more focused on career pathing. Provide training, skill development, and coaching to develop leaders and mentors within our older workforce. While their bodies may have slowed, the knowledge they have gained is priceless. 
      Our future is dependent on young people entering our industry. We need to give more young people opportunities. Every shop owner across the country should consider hiring an apprentice, then build an apprentice training plan and career path for them. If every shop did this, we could solve the technician shortage within five years. Get involved with the trade schools and high schools in your area. Look into the NAPA Apprenticeship Program. Don't sit on your hands with this one. Do it today.
      Lastly, don't get left behind. Commit to ongoing training for all your employees. Keep up to date with tools and equipment tailored to your business model. Don't try to be all things to all people and all vehicles. Identify your core profile customer and the vehicles they drive, and become an expert on those vehicles and the services you offer.
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