After replacing the power steering pump and pulley the steering wheel does not turn

Tiny
TINSY CASTLE
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 HUMMER H3
  • 3.5L
  • 5 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 20,000 MILES
I replaced the power steering pump and pulley now the steering wheel won't turn. Any idea what is wrong?
Thursday, January 31st, 2019 AT 1:34 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Do you mean you have no power assist or the steering is locked? If there is no power assist, here are the procedures for properly bleeding the system. Make sure to follow them otherwise, you may not get power assist. The attached pictures correlate with these directions.

____________________

Beeding the Power Steering System
Tools Required
- J 35555 Metal Mityvac
- J 43485 Power Steering Bleeder Adapter

Important: Hoses touching the frame, body, or engine may cause system noise.

1. Verify that the hoses do not touch any other part of the vehicle.

Important: Loose connections may not leak, but could allow air into the steering system.

2. Verify that all hose connections are tight.

Pic 1

Notice: If the power steering system has been serviced, an accurate fluid level reading cannot be obtained unless air is bled from the steering system. The air in the fluid may cause pump cavitation noise and may cause pump damage over a period of time.

Important: Maintain the fluid level throughout the bleed procedure.

3. Remove the pump reservoir cap.

Important: Use clean, new power steering fluid only.

4. Fill the pump reservoir with fluid to the FULL COLD level.

Pic 2

5. Attach the J 43485 to the J 35555 or equivalent.
6. Place the J 43485 on or in the pump reservoir filler neck.
7. Apply a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg) maximum.
8. Wait 5 minutes. Typical vacuum drop is 7 - 10 kPa (2 - 3 in Hg). If the vacuum does not remain steady, refer to Excessive Vacuum Drop Diagnosis.
9. Remove the J 43485 and the J 35555.
10. Reinstall the pump reservoir cap.
11. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle.
12. Turn off the engine.
13. Verify the fluid level. Repeat steps 11-13 until the fluid stabilizes.

Important: Do not turn steering wheel to lock.

14. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle.
15. Turn the steering wheel 180-360 degrees in both directions 5 times.
16. Switch the ignition off.

Notice: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.

17. Verify the fluid level.

Pic 1

18. Remove the pump reservoir cap.

Pic 2

19. Attach the J 43485 to the J 35555 or equivalent.
20. Place the J 43485 on or in the pump reservoir filler neck.
21. Apply a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg) maximum.
22. Wait 5 minutes.
23. Remove the J 43485 and the J 35555.
24. Verify the fluid level.
25. Reinstall the pump reservoir cap.

Excessive Vacuum Drop Diagnosis

pic 3

1. If the vacuum continues to drop, remove the pressure and return hose from the pump.
2. Install the plugs (1, 2) supplied with the J 43485 into the pressure and return port.

Pic 2

3. Attach the J 43485 to the J 35555 or equivalent.
4. Place the J 43485 on or in the pump reservoir filler neck.
5. Apply a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg) maximum.
6. If the vacuum drops again, repair or replace the pump. If the vacuum holds steady, continue to check the other parts of the steering system.

Important: Fluid must be free from bubbles and foam. Be aware of periodic bubbles that indicate a loose connection or leaking O-ring seal in the return hose or the pressure hose.

7. Fluid must be free from discoloration.
Observe the fluid.
8. If condition persists, replace the following parts:
The return hose clamps
The return hose O-rings
The pressure hose O-rings
The gear cylinder line O-rings
The reservoir to pump O-ring
9. Repeat the bleed procedure from the beginning.
10. Drive the vehicle approximately 16 km (10 mi) in order to warm the system to operating temperature. Evaluate vehicle on a smooth flat surface.
11. Verify the following conditions:
There is smooth power assist.
The vehicle operates quietly.
The pump maintains the proper fluid level.
There is not any leaking in the steering system.
The fluid is free of foam or discoloration.

________________________

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, January 31st, 2019 AT 6:56 PM
Tiny
TINSY CASTLE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Steering is locked.
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Friday, February 1st, 2019 AT 1:57 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Interesting. That doesn't make a lot of sense, so I understand why you're confused. Does the vehicle start? Does the key still turn?
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Friday, February 1st, 2019 AT 3:39 PM
Tiny
TINSY CASTLE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Yes it starts, but the steering wheel is locked and won't turn! The only thing we did was replace the power steering pump and pulley.
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Friday, February 1st, 2019 AT 4:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Was the battery disconnected? While the battery was disconnected, was the ignition key in the lock position?

The only thing I can think of is this. The lock actuator is tied in with the key position and the park interlock system. When you start it, does it fully turn back to the lock position so you can remove the key and can you shift from park?

If the vehicle had lost power (battery disconnected), pushing the ignition lock cylinder release button on the underside of the ignition lock cylinder will override the system and allow the key to be removed and hopefully the wheel will turn when you restart.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, February 1st, 2019 AT 7:45 PM

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