Can I run my truck without Power Steering Fluid?

[mubai]

OK, so my power steering fluid is leaking from somewhere, there's no fluid in the reservoir. I need to use the truck and will try to fix it later today or tomorrow. I want to know if it's a bad for the truck to drive it without power steering fluid. Steering wheel still turns with ease but makes a terrible rubbing type noise when the steering wheel is turned in either direction stationary or while driving.

Thank you.

 

[Sparky]

You run the risk of killing the pump and losing power steering entirely, but it won't damage anything else. Unless you lose the power steering and can't turn the wheel fast enough and hit a pole or something that is.

 

[mubai]

Thanks for the reply. I will hold off on driving it. My wife and I will just have to take turns driving my other car.

 

[Capote]

I've had a power steering leak for a while now, can't really replace the seals without a hand from my bud. I know it's leaking from where the lines connect to the steering rack underneath pretty much where the steering column is, but I wouldn't recommend driving with it empty. I always carry 2 big bottles of power steering fluid with me incase my reservoir does run empty. Which it does depending on how hard I drive my rig.

 

[mubai]

I suspect mine is leaking from the bottom somewhere as well, probably near the radiator. I couldn't see any leaks near the pump itself.

 

[Capote]

Check the spot where I said mine is leaking. Maybe you have it leaking there too. If you have any large pieces of cardboard lay it underneath over night and when your rig is running, turn the wheel all the way one way than the other to see if you can expose where the leak is at. Maybe that'll work out for you

 

[mubai]

I might just buy a dozen cans of this stuff and just spray the bottom of my truck. LOL!

 

[Capote]

Lol! I can see Flex seal working for some automotive applications, but I wouldn't use it as a bandaid for a leak

 

[Envoy_04]

Power steering lines on these are no fun to replace - did the pressure line and the return from rack to cooler on an 07 TB a while back because they had rotted in two where they cross the strut tower. I will never do such a thing again - that's one job I'll just pay to have done should I encounter it again.

 

[mubai]

Sounds almost as bad as replacing ball joints with no air tools.

Power steering lines on these are no fun to replace - did the pressure line and the return from rack to cooler on an 07 TB a while back because they had rotted in two where they cross the strut tower. I will never do such a thing again - that's one job I'll just pay to have done should I encounter it again.

 

[Envoy_04]

Sounds almost as bad as replacing ball joints with no air tools.

Worse, I think. Much more cursing involved.

 

[mubai]

Looks like it's the hard lines near the top of the D/S strut.

 

[mubai]

OK, so here's what I see:




When I saw the hard line was cut/leaking and the rusted connectors, the only thing I could think of was this:


I think I will order the part then take it to the shop. I don't even have crowfoot wrenches.

 

[Capote]

That sucks bro

 

[flap00]

Yep. Mine started leaking in that same spot a few days ago. They are held there in a rubber mount, which of course, made them rust. I had a feeling they'd be a bitch to replace, and now Envoy_04 confirmed it. I don't know which line it is yet, but I'm hoping its the return line, which I'd assume has much lower pressure than the supply line.

I'm wondering if I might be able to splice in a short piece of steel tubing with flare or compression fittings....hmm....

 

[mubai]

I'm thinking the same thing. Worst case scenario, I still take it to the shop.

Yep. Mine started leaking in that same spot a few days ago. They are held there in a rubber mount, which of course, made them rust. I had a feeling they'd be a bitch to replace, and now Envoy_04 confirmed it. I don't know which line it is yet, but I'm hoping its the return line, which I'd assume has much lower pressure than the supply line.

I'm wondering if I might be able to splice in a short piece of steel tubing with flare or compression fittings....hmm....

 

[flap00]

Anybody know what kind of pressure is in these lines? If it's not too crazy, maybe flare just might work...

 

[mubai]

This may work. I just need to know the size of the lines.

https://agscompany.com/product-category/fluid-transfer-repair/air-conditioning/splice-lok/

 

[flap00]

I took a look at your link. I don't see that they mention anything about maximum pressure. But, I was thinking more along the lines of just a strong scrap piece of tubing, flaring the ends with a flaring tool, and using 2 flare type unions.

 

[mubai]

http://xforcetools.myshopify.com/products/5-16-3-8-1-2-splice-lok-a-c-repair-kit-acrk-046c

600 psi

 

[mubai]

What is the part number for the outside line? I don't know if it's the high or low pressure. I'm trying to find the flow process of the fluid, but haven't been able to find a good schematic or diagram.

I'm still on the fence about replacing or fixing it.

 

[flap00]

Actually, I'm not sure what the specs are for the pump in your 2002 Envoy, but I'm reading something in the service manual about 1500/1600 psi @ 3.5 gallons per minute on the pump of my '06 EXT LT TB.

 

[Sparky]

You can use almost anything on the low pressure line. I'm running a length of fuel hose for a section of my return line, with just clamps on each end.

 

[mubai]

Thanks Sparky. Is the line in my picture above on the outside the low pressure / return line? I don't know how the fluid runs through.

You can use almost anything on the low pressure line. I'm running a length of fuel hose for a section of my return line, with just clamps on each end.

 

[mubai]

Found this procedure to install the line: http://gmtnation.com/forums/topic/10040-procedure-for-replacing-return-power-steering-hose-on-2003-trailblazer/

 

[northcreek]

You can use almost anything on the low pressure line. I'm running a length of fuel hose for a section of my return line, with just clamps on each end.

Don't use fuel hose, it will break down and fail. Use hydraulic hose on the pressure or return side ( or transmission cooler hose on the return side only )...Mike.

 

[Sparky]

Not really sure which line along the top is which. My lines there are still intact. It was the cooler to res line that failed on mine.

The hose says it is for fuel and oil on it. It is that reinforced rubberized stuff.

 

[meerschm]

I would not drive it very long without fluid.

Without fluid, the pump will eventually jam and that will not be good for the belt or other handy items driven by the belt.

But you said you would not drive it.

there are a few posts somewhere about using steel brake line, bent to fit, with compression fittings to jump around the bad corrosion.

 

[mubai]

Started the truck and saw the leak right away. It's only a pin hole but it spewed out pretty good. I'm actually surprised that there's still fluid in there.

 

[Capote]

Good to hear you pinpointed the leak brother

 

[mubai]

Pin point is right. Lol!

 

[flap00]

I've done a few searches for anyone doing this...mostly on youtube. I can't seem to find anything on anyone actually *repairing* a power steering line. All I come up with is stuff regarding replacing the lines. I'm REALLY hoping to be able to repair and not replace a whole line or two. I'm thinking a flare or double flare type connection might be better than any type of compression fitting, but haven't verified that yet, or if even that will be strong enough for the pressure. I'll keep looking, and keep me in the loop here if you find out anything.

 

[mubai]

I ordered the line from rockauto. I've started the dismantle process. I went this route because i think my line will leak in other spots over a short period of time.

 

[moneypit]

I had the same leak/situation as you. Replacing the complete line is expensive but also seemed a "really,really SOB!" I just sectioned it off 8-10" w/steel lines & compression fittings for $10.00 and its been problem free now over 4 yrs.

 

[mubai]

Whats the size of the line? Now I'm rethinking this, damn!

 

[flap00]

I had the same leak/situation as you. Replacing the complete line is expensive but also seemed a "really,really SOB!" I just sectioned it off 8-10" w/steel lines & compression fittings for $10.00 and its been problem free now over 4 yrs.

THAT is what I'm talking about. BUT, was it the pressure or return line??

 

[moneypit]

IIRC it was just normal 3/8, cause I got the fittings at advance auto. I dont recall which line now but it wouldnt matter to me
see if you can cancel the order before it ships....? shoulda searched here...http://gmtnation.com/forums/topic/11802-losing-power-steering-fluid-fill-per-week/#entry367250

 

[flap00]

Wouldn't matter to me either, as long as it can handle the pressure, of course. Did you use brake line? Steel? Aluminum?
By the way, what year/model?
Mine looks a little different. My lines are actually held down there with a steel and rubber mount that's a few inches long, which is why I'd assumed mine rusted in that spot...holding the moisture in.

 

[mubai]

I think if you remove the rubber and metal brace it will look like what's in the picture.

 

[moneypit]

02TB, they all have that 1/2 moon/rubber hold down guide. I prolly just used gas line,metal line,brake line. making the cuts were difficult with my selection of tools iirc just try to have a flat/straight cut and deburr the ends, thats it!