Do Silverados have power steering problems?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by dimondros

I'm sure I haven't had the front end steering components greased as often as needed, and the power steering fluid probably only got changed each time a new pump was installed. This time, a new steering box was installed in addition to the new (recon) pump. Still no better - they have kept the truck because I can't physically turn it at low RPM (like turning a corner in town, or parking). They are going to try another pump (not recon, - factory new), but I'm afraid this won't help either. Any other ideas? Thanks so much for you time and thoughts.

with the wheels off the ground the steering should move easy by hand, no binding,,, so if that is good then it maybe a bad pump hose. also make sure that the fluid has NO bubbles in it when you check it after operation..no pressure if it bubbles. the other failure maybe the pressure valve . this reduces steering effort when the vehicle moves at a higher speed . at slow speed no speed this valve will give max pump pressure so the wheels turn with less effort. could be it is stuck or broken spring causing little to no pressure from pump..

[No Nonsense]

If your brake pedal becomes soft like they have air in the lines, then your problem is most definitely the ps pump. At least the HD models have hydraulic boost tied into your ps pump. I followed the previous advice here and replaced the steering gear ( not rack and pinion ) and had no change. Mechanic told me most often the cause is rarely the steering gear. The factory pumps are junk, internal gears break or shaft seizes. Save yourself time and money and have it professionally checked before going off on some wild advice that may not pertain to your truck. GM makes several different options on each model, I guess depending on what their mood is, I don't know. So what happens to one person, may not be exactly what is problem with yours.