85 caprice-power steering bugaboo

[arcielee]

The problem with this 85 caprice is that we've lost all power steering, yet there is no leak. No hose leaks, no vaccuum leak. No power. None.
Any ideas? Has this happened to anyone else? What's the fix? p.s. we're broke.

[dxrflyboy]

Is this a steering or brake issue?? The power brakes use vacuum assist, unless you have Hydroboost. The power steering uses a pump driven by the engine via a belt off the crankshaft. Check the belt, the fluid level in the pump, and possible leaks.

[arcielee]

Sorry-it's a lack of power to the power steering. It's a friend's car. He says the belt has good tension and the fluid level is good. I've checked for leaks and find none. Maybe it's a bad pump...........any other ideas, anyone?

[dxrflyboy]

Another possibility is the spool valve in the steering box. It may be stuck in neutral position, bypassing any power assist. Try disconnecting the return hose and plugging the inlet in back of the pump. Connect a tube to the return hose so you can feed it back into the pump through the filler hole on top. Start the engine. See if you have a strong, steady flow of fluid through the return hose. Have someone assist you by turning the steering wheel. Watch for a change in the return flow. No change indicates a spool valve problem. Weak flow indicates a faulty pump.