Hi all ... I have a quick question for everyone, I am hoping that someone can help.

Last night, my power steering began acting a little funky; it started whining like it does when there is low fluid, etc. So I stopped at Sunoco and picked up a bottle of power steering fluid and added it like I always do. This morning on my way in to work, it got a lot worse. It continues to whine like crazy, and steering at higher speeds (>20mph) is getting very difficult. Sharp curves at those speeds and steering is almost impossible, the wheel shakes very violently and its almost like the power steering is skipping.

So I did some searching on DF and I found out that I am supposed to be topping off with ATF +4, not regular power steering fluid ... I am stupid and didn't know that. So I guess my question is what do I do now?? I have been using the regular stuff for like a year. I am going to try and drive to my buddy's garage (about 20 minutes from here) after work. Its a straight shot so I 'm sure I'll make it ok. I think I will drain all the fluid out of the resivoir and replace it with ATF +4 and see if that does anything. Unless anyone else has some other suggestions? I don't want to screw up the rack (if its not already screwed up) ... I am just at a loss as to how to proceed from here.

Thanks for any input that you can offer!

 

my steering pump is shot and havent replaced for 3 months. i ordered mine and still havent recieve the package.[:@] it caused by 4x4 spins in snow.

 

Ok ... an update ... I got the truck to my buddy's garage, and got underneath it. I checked the power steering fluid and it was bone dry ... again. So I got some ATF +4 and put that in ... I could see right away where it was leaking from. It was coming out of the front half of the PS pump ... so looks like the internal seal was bad or the pump was cracked. Went down to Advance Auto and got a new pump for $71. Installation was fairly easy, took about 2 hours and 6 beers. I rented the pulley puller from Advance, that was probably the hardest part of the whole install. I couldn't get the pulley back on all the way using the tool, so I used a hydraulic press (against the directions advice, but oh well I did it really smoothly and it seems to work great).

So anyways, I seem to be back in business. Zero fluid leaks and the steering the smooth and precise like it was when I bought it I am so happy it was a cheap fix ... I did not feel like dropping $1k on a new rack.