What is variable assist

 

The amount of 'additional assist' contributed by the power steering pump when turning. Supposedly, at lower RPM, (which would be interpreted as Low road speed) more assist is provided, so turning is easier. At higher engine speeds (higher road speed) less assist is given, as at speed, you are not turning the steering nearly so sharp, or as often, and it is easier to steer when moving in any event......

 

I don't remember what it was that I broke. But I think it was the shaft coming out of or going to my pump.

 

Gotcha Thanks! One more question. My friend asked if my power steering pump is good and I told him as far as I know it should be, there's no whinning or humming. He said that it was possible that the pump is bad. I've driven on this new gear box now for 4 days and over 300 miles and still it's stiff. Not as but still stiffer than normal.

 

That was, I was told, due to my steering gear box being seized up. Changed the gear box, changed the pump (x3 times total) and truck is fine. Steering is off by about 30* but, not the end of the world.

 

That was what I broke

 

My steering stayed stiff, even after replacing the gear box, until AFTER we successfully changed the power steering pump.

 

Yeah I noticed that even though I but everything straight when I get up to highway speeds my steering wheel is turned slightly right in order to keep it straight I guess that's normal.

 

How did you know to change your power steering pump, was it humming or whinning?

 

humming or whining would mean you have a high pressure leak according to my fiance.

What we heard which was the tell tale sound was a very quiet tick when the shaft snapped.