Not literally though, the truck was parked in the garage over nice, lows near -15F.

When I started it the power steering was stuck and groaning, like when it either sits outside all night or if the PS had just died. I have had this happen a little in the extreme cold so I still backed out, but then when I tried to brake I couldn't! The pedal was very firm and did no good. Luckily I was not going to fast, and it eventually slowed.

After about 5 minutes, it was right back to normal????

I have the slow leak between VP and PSP, but the level of fluid is good. I will flush when I get back home.

Any ideas? Causes for this issue? The brakes are connected how to the PS pump? Booster? Not too smart in that area.

Just got free sec a work, sorry no search yet....

 

I have a idea:

Cold PS fluid

Makes sense to me real cold PS fluid thick like molasses.

 

Hi 13ALPHA

I had the same symptoms as you explain a few years ago with my 2001.5. I discovered that the power steering pump would freeze in the winter due to condensation or water in the pump. I decided to change the fluid with synthetic power steering fluid. I have not had any problems since.

In order to replace the fluid I used a turkey baster and a synthetic PS fluid. Redline, Amsoil, and Royal Purple carry synthetic fluids that fit the bill. Using the turkey baster or a pump from a bottle of hand soap or shampoo, extract the fluid from the reservoir and refill it with fresh fluid. Next day or so do the same thing. At that time you will have changed out 95% of the fluid with little effort and no mess.

 

Yeah, except the truck was in the garage over night, about 60F. Never had issues before.

I will give this a shot, have the baster already. Thanks!

Didn't think about the water

 

When was the last time you serviced the power steering (flushed out the system)??

 

Prior to this, less than one year. Have the PS/VAC leak so I keep an eye on it. I sucked it all out, added a bottle, started the truck and moved wheels a bunch, drained again and re filled, should have been a complete flush. Seems to be good now.

 

The PS pump runs the brakes.......that's why hard pedal......My brother had the PS pully shear off his '03 on I-95 went to pull off ramp had to stand on brake pedal to stop her, basically you lose power brakes

 

check the level again, keep it at the upper mark, i had the same problem, added a small amount of ps fluid and fixed