Sudden loss of power steering
 

OK, I posted this in the engine section because i don't think it is specific to our year vehicle but I trust the guys that post here. So going to post it here too.

Backing a trailer in the shop and heard a squeak and steering felt funny. Got out afraid I had run over an animal. Nothing.

Got back in and realized I had no power steering. No leaks, belt is fine. Full of fluid.

It is a two year old Red Head fast steering box. Put a new hose on during the past summer. Stock pump.

To tired to fool with it but I leaning toward a bad pump. Something broke. Anyone ran into this? Suggestions?

Re: Sudden loss of power steering
 

Not too long ago one of our members had the same failure and his turned out to be the steering pump shaft had broken into inside the pump. With the engine running remove the reservoir cap and see if there is fluid movement or pump sound. You may be able to remove the belt and spin the pump by hand to see if there is any resistance.

Re: Sudden loss of power steering
 

Sounds like pump to me.

Re: Sudden loss of power steering
 

That is sort of where I am leaning but as I said, I was just exhausted last night and just wanted to get the trailer unloaded. Moved it out of the way just now and there is no assist at all. Hard to even move it.

Really thinking pump but didn't know if there might be something inside, like a valve that was a common failure point.

I will check it out this weekend and report what I find for the next person that runs into this.

Re: Sudden loss of power steering
 

It was the pump. Not sure what happened but just installed and new one and it worked.

It had a lot of play in the shaft, as in it moved in and out of the housing more than it should have.

Was not as bad as I expected to install. Worst part was putting the pressure hose back on.

Re: Sudden loss of power steering
 

Good deal.