My 1998.5 finally needed a tranny after 300k. When i got the truck back the power steering didn't work. Now the brake assist isn't either. The reservoir is full of bubbles, actually puked out when i took the cap off. I changed the power steering pump a few years ago. Sound like power steering pump or something w the hydroboost?
It was below 0 F all week that it was not in use. I thought that maybe I had some water in power steering fluid that froze and once the truck was used it would work itself out, but that's never the case w truck or a woman. lol

 

Any lines get damaged?

 

I don't think so. I looked over them all and looked good. I put some new fluid in the power st. pump and its better but still not right and growls when turning or hitting brakes

 

Cold weather is tough on the PS pump. Since I switched to synthetic fluid I haven't had any problems...

 

If they pushed the truck in or out of the shop without the engine running, sometimes steering that way can cause some fluid to get pushed back out of the P/S reservoir, particularly in colder weather. Then when the truck gets started, the pump can suck in some air which makes the fluid foamy, can sometimes cause a big air lock, and is really tricky to bleed out.

At this point, I would let the truck sit an hour or so to help the bubbles work themselves out of the fluid. Now top the fluid up, then start the truck for about 3 seconds and shut it back off. Top the fluid up and start it again. give the steering wheel a quarter turn, shut it off and top the fluid up again. Repeat this process until the level no longer drops when you start it or steer.

 

This makes a huge difference in cold weather operation. With conventional p/s fluid mine would foam/groan/not work below 20*. Now I swapped it all out with Lucas synthetic and it makes a little noise in the single digits but not bad at all. Original pump and hydroboost at 230+k miles.

 

I had the same symptoms a few years ago. Switch to synthetic has been treating me well also… I guess now I'm due for a flush and refill…

 

torquefan you were exactly right that's what happened. got it fixed. Thanks!

 

Awesome! I'm glad it wasn't major.

 

I've had just as good of results with this as with synthetic fluid http://www.lubegard.com/~/C-198/LUBE...uid+Protectant

Most auto parts carry it.

 

this just may be my issue.
thank for this
Norm