2003 Chevrolet Venture Power Steering

Tiny
TECHMAN9778
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
I replaced the power steering pump and pulley. Primed the pump the way the instructions said to. I did jack the van up, turn the wheels with the engine off, then started it up and turned the wheel both directions, turned it off and let it sit for approximately 10 minutes. Checked fluid level and turned wheels again. Started up again and turned wheels. Lowered jack and tried to turn, and the wheel is very hard to turn. Repeated process and received the same results. The pump is screaming a low tone, the fluid is full and see no signs of fluid being pumped. Also before installing the new pump we did pump out the old fluid and pumped in new fluid. Could it be the pump or the rack? Or maybe something else or something I am doing wrong. If you could help it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
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Thursday, June 25th, 2015 AT 6:03 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
I hate to say it but it sounds like you got a defective pump.
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Thursday, June 25th, 2015 AT 7:34 AM
Tiny
TECHMAN9778
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  • 2 POSTS
I replaced the pump again and still the same results. After talking with several mechanics that I know or friends have put me in touch with all have pretty much said that the rack is bad. I have two questions. 1. Am I able to rebuild the rack versus replacing it? 2. If it is better for me to replace the rack, do you have any ideas, tips, tricks, to make this easier for me? Any little bit will help. Thank you for your time and help. I really do appreciate it.

Mark
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Monday, July 13th, 2015 AT 8:01 AM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
There is no way to get the parts to rebuild the rack yourself that I know of. So with that said a reman or wrecking yard is it. I would go with a reman you get a lifetime warranty in most cases. Now as for replacing it not real easy sorry, but a tip as for the outer tie rod ends mark them and count the turns it takes to remove them so when you put them back on the new rack they will be close to where they where so you can drive it to the shop of you choice to have it realigned afterwards. If you get stuck let me know I will do my best to walk you through it ok
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Thursday, August 6th, 2015 AT 7:10 AM

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