I recently have lost pedal pressure in my brake system. I can still stop but pressure comes and goes.I also have very hard steering when first started. Is this vacuum pump related ? I have 96' 2500 reg cab 2wd. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

 

Vaccuum booster or hydroboost? If hydroboost, your two problems are likely related.

Stiff steering when first started is often low fluid, or air in the system (re-bleed it). At least, that has been my experience on 2-3 cummins trucks.

A bad vacuum pump won't affect your steering, unless the shaft/coupling through to the ps pump is toast. Usually an all-or-nothing type of failure; not intermittent.

 

Thanks for the info. The power steering fluid was low and adding fluid took care of that problem. I'm thinking that the two issues are unrelated. The brakes are still an issue with not a lot of pedal pressure. I still need to investigate further. The brake booster appears to be on the newer side although not sure. I bought truck in Sept this year. Its in very nice shape, originally from California and I bought in Virginia. Very clean and was well maintained. I'm used to dealing with Michigan trucks where rust is always an issue with mechanics also. I have unusually warm temps now and will get a good look at things next couple days. Thanks

!