Power Steering stopped working without warning

[dave325]

2001 ext cab. w/ 4.8 and 32,000 miles.

The power steering has worked great. Without any warning it just stopped working. The fluid level is fine. Fluid is clean. No leaks. I don't have a clue what's wrong.

[2000CAYukon]

I believe the pulley is pressed onto the pump. The pulley is probably slipping on the pump shaft.

Pretty sure you are looking at a new pump but maybe one of the GM Techs can reply with what needs to be done.

//2000CAYukon

[dave325]

Thanks for your response. I checked it and the pump shaft is turning.
Someone said the power steering lines might be plugged.
How do you clear those? With an air compressor??
Any other ideas??

[craigix]

I only have a 1999 classic shape with the 7.4 but I just rebuilt my power steering and it works fine now, I just took it to pieces, emptied the old dirty fluid, cleaned all the parts up, replaced 2 hoses and put it back together.

Then I put a little fluid in and had my sister start the engine so i could watch the pump and make sure it sucked it away and kept adding until the level was back to normal. Works fine now. Didn't take long to do either, I don't know if the layout on the new shape is the same though.

-Craig

[dave325]

Thanks Craig,
I'll try that tomorrow morning.

[dave325]

Well, it was the power steering pump. Fluid was brown. It only has 32,000 miles.