OT: Power steering - won't

[Anonymous-0]

'98 Plymouth has power steering fluid, brand new serpentine belt, power steering suddenly doesn't work. Pulley is turning, checked fluid again, reservoir is full, no fluid on the ground.

Any ideas what it could be? Is there an electrical fuse anywhere that could cause it? Bum pump? Woodruff key, etc?

Thanks, I appreciate any help.

 

[Anonymous-0]

The steering rack needs replaced.

 

[KEB]

Nothing electrical associated with power steering. I've seen a ford pump pulley spin on the shaft. Not familiar with the pump in your plymouth, but it might be worth checking that the pump shaft itself is in fact turning with the pulley.

I've never seen a power steering rack simply stop working. I'd expect it to be getting rough and making noise long before it stopped working entirely. I'd check the output of the pump first.

One other possiblity, has the system been opened? Could you have an air lock in the steering system. Jack the front end up so there's no resistance on the steering, and run it from lock to lock a few times. I know some cars need to have the steering box/rack purged if you open the system, and that's how it usually done.

Keith

 

[shannon from ohio]

Replace pump as shaft has broken internally (Don't believe me,, Remove belt and pull out on pulley) Should come out if broken?? An issue Chrysler and Dodge had with them.(Replaced enough of them)....