Over the last few weeks my T has developed a new issue. On occasion when taking off from a stop my power steering sometimes becomes non-power. Seems to be worse when going from drive into reverse, like when I pull up in front of my house and throw it in reverse to back into the driveway - I get a momentary loss of PS pretty much every time. It's not a huge deal in town, just a mild annoyance, but I'm a bit leery of taking my T wheeling now. The last thing I want is to have it go out while wheeling - lots of trails with rock wall on one side and drop off on the other, and places where a T requires a 3+ point turn. Difficult turning from a stop is one thing, losing it when going around a dangerous corner is quite another.

I had it in the dealership recently for a different issue (replacing those stupid plastic moldings around the windshield) and asked them to check it. It was the weekend non-hummer crew so all they really did was check the PS fluid (still full, no leaks). The service manager says it's common and not a problem with H3s and 35" tires as the PS pump is a bit undersized for 35s. Foot on brake (gets power from PS pump), stopped (engine at idle), not enough power to turn the tires. Sounds reasonable but I'm not completely sold on that though. I've been driving it this way for 2 years without this coming up AND from what I understand the Ts have the stronger pump that the Alphas have.

I have almost 52k miles so it's time for the 50k service, which I believe includes PS fluid change. The dealership did say the fluid, while still full from the last oil change, did look a bit dirty. He suggested replacing the PS fluid may help.

Just curious if this is as common as they suggested, and if it's really just semi-normal and nothing to really worry about. Any other thoughts are welcome.

 

NOT A COMMON ISSUE!

All of our H3/H3Ts have had 315s or larger and we have NEVER had an issue with the power steering going out. The OEM bracket and bushing movment ...YES, but not any actual loss of power steering. Heck, the PS throws aroung the 37s like they are 32s.

I would drain yoru PS fluid, refill, get all the air pockets out (PM me for the instructions if you need them) and see if you still have an issue.

The PS rack itself might have an issue also. Take the skidplate off and check for excessive movement around the bracket and/or for a crack or separation between the black and silver portions.

 

They are replacing the PS pump (under warranty) now. It's working, not leaking, not making noise, and they say the bigger tires make it work harder, but ultimately they said it's not putting out as much pressure as it should.

I guess the wife gets to keep driving the free rental CTS for a couple more days.

 

My 09 H3T does EXACTLY the same thing!!! Except now it is getting to the point where the steering will stiffen up just driving down the road!

 

[QUOTEFoot on brake (gets power from PS pump][/QUOTE], not so.

The old Lincoln and others with "hydraboost" used ps pressure.
now THAT was power brakes!!
the p brake uses a little 12 v motor to pump up air pressure as a booster.

Ill bet on the rack, not the pump. they change the pump first cause its ezr and they make out on war from gm anyway huh.

 

I had the exact same issue but a step worse on my alpha. We were about to it was the first morning of a 5 day Death Valley trip and the pump gave up zero with zero warning. Just about to pull onto the trailer when it happened. No squealing, loss of fluid, or leaks. Had a little better steering at high rpms. Im assuming a bad relief valve. Replaced the pump and the fluid everything works fine now.

 

It has been suggested it might be a valve issue with the power steering rack

 

Wow, ok, just yank on it until it it fixes itself with a bang. I had a similar issue of the dealership not being able to replicate the occasional issues, but instead of leaving it at that they actually tested the PS pump pressure and saw it was a little low.