Power steering pump not working

UKULELEBADASS

MEMBER
1996 GMC JIMMY
4.3L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
14,000 MILES

Power steering fluid was leaking and pump is shot. I disconnected the lines from the pump, discovered it has a fluid cooling line that runs behind the radiator and was completely corroded. Removed this, cut one of the lines short, filled the box and line with fluid, and looped the line back to the gear box. Another diy-er told me that they only installed these coolers in vehicles with the tow package. Is this true? If so can I replace with a direct line if I don't plan to tow? Also how bad is it to drive with the box looped?

4 Replies

CADIEMAN

MECHANIC
3,544 POSTS

It will have the same operation both ways. You just won't be able to tow with the straight line.

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Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 AT 6:11 AM

UKULELEBADASS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Will I damage the steering gear driving with the pump disconnected for a week or two until I get a new pump in?

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Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 AT 6:54 AM

CADIEMAN

MECHANIC
3,544 POSTS

You will need to park the car until you get the part.

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Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 AT 3:05 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

The cooler portion of the power steering runs on the return side. It is part of the system with or without the towing package.

Do not eliminate it as the fluid will overheat and damage the pump and the steering gear.

I would replace the line with the correct line from the factory to be sure the system works properly.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

Roy

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