No power steering, but brakes are fine?

[ajbirken]

This is an 1984 M1008 CUCV (K30)

Has a 6.2L diesel with 12v conversion (so only one belt to power steering pump) and hydroboost brakes.

I have no power steering but the brakes are fine. Seems like just manual steering or at least very little power assist. the slower I move the worse it is and you can forget about turning the wheel at a stand still.

no squealing or groaning noises that I can hear (but it is a diesel)

fluid level OK,

Belt seems OK but it it hard to tighten with a stupid 3 bolt configuration,

I am inclined to replace the pump first since it is cheaper, but was wondering if you guys thought this could be the steering box.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[neverendingproject]

If you rule out suspects, your steering box is the one to blame, or something leading to the box. I personally dont know much about the hydroboost. Sorry

 

[4X4HIGH]

I'm not very familiar with the hydro boost but steering boxes usually don't go bad in the respect that they no longer give assist but also if the power steering pump went bad i can't see how you would have power brakes still without having power steering.

 

[kgblazerfive]

My hydro-boost brakes don't really seem to be adversely affected by the power steering. I have a large leak in the boost part of the brake and when the pump runs out of fluid, about once a week, the brakes still work normal but the steering doesn't and the pump whines. I had a P/S pump shear off the shaft once on me and the pulley stayed in. Everything looked and felt fine except you couldn't steer, the pump had a little wooble until I grabbed the pulley and could pull it out of the pump. My 98 Sub had a similar problem but it was under warrenty so they just replaced the pump and the boost which of course fixed the problem.

 

[diesel4me]

could be.

The pressure hose to the steering box could be collapsed internally,restricting the flow to the steering box..perhaps the return side could do the same also--no fluid can get in,if it cant get out right?...the steel part of the hose could be crushed or crimped somewhere too..

I'd say the pump is working if the brakes feel ok--a crude test is to squeeze the pressure hose shut for a second with pliers with the motor runnig(be careful not to damage the hose,use a peice of heater hose under the jaws--you dont want hot P/S fliud gushing on you!)..if the pump stops turning and the belt squeals,its a good indication its putting out good pressure..a gauge is the right way to check pump output though..it could be a bad steering box too,or seized ball joints or tie rod ends..

 

[89GMCSuburban]

Does the truck have an accumulator or an electric motor on the brake master cylinder portion?

 

[ajbirken]

Thanks for the advice so far.

It sounds like from some of the responses that it may not require as much pressure to run the brakes as the steering.

I'll take a look at the MC and let you know.

Would I be able to turn easily while driving with seized ball joints?

 

[89GMCSuburban]

If it has a motor, the power brakes will still work even if the pump has failed...that's why I ask.....we'll figure it out for ya! Let me know...

 

[ajbirken]

Does the truck have an accumulator or an electric motor on the brake master cylinder portion?

It appears to just have an accumulator. I see no wiring going to the MC/boost area.

 

[89GMCSuburban]

Does it get easier to turn if you rev up the motor?

 

[ajbirken]

Does it get easier to turn if you rev up the motor?

Not noticeably, but it does get harder when the brakes are applied.

 

[ajbirken]

Idiot update.

I tightened the hell out of the belts an now have PS again.

It's weird their was no obvious slippage or sqealing and the belt deflected about 1/2" or so.

Thanks for all of your help.

Apparently the steering takes a lot more ooomph than the brakes.