Your problem description makes it sound like that the previously failed pump left
metallic debris behind in the rest of the your power steering system. And while
reply #3 would make for a guaranteed fix, I wonder if it's possible that by adding
the correct filter to the return side of the power steering pump if we could end up
with the replacement pump seeing
virtually perfect clean PS fluid? This way you can
drive the truck, not trash the replacement pump, and in a reasonable amount of time
the entire system has flushed itself foreign object free?
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I really dislike whiny power steering pumps, and years ago I discovered that if I installed one of
these (along with a good fluid flushing at the same time) that a quiet new pump would
remain quiet
for the remainder of the time I drove the vehicle. I'm almost at the point to where I wonder why these
weren't installed at the factory?
****
Anyway, instead of a complete PS hydraulic system replacement, what if you:
1) Replace PS pump. Instead of connecting the return line to the PS pump, leave the far end connected to the steering
box, dangle the open end into a catch pan, fill the reservoir, start the truck and turn the steering wheel lock to lock, hopefully
pumping the majority of the debris right out of the box and into the pan? Maybe budget for using a quart or 2 of (cheap)
PS fluid, hopefully being able to see an improvement and stopping there.
2) Now Install the Magnefine inline filter into the low pressure return line to the PS pump. Reconnect the line to
your new pump. This becomes the damaging debris gatekeeper, keeping whatever debris still lurking in your
system from contaminating your new pump?
3) With both front tires slightly off the ground, add fluid and proceed to burp all the air out of your PS system,
turning the wheels lock to lock several times while adding fluid as necessary until the fluid level stabilizes. NOTE: The
new fluid in the reservoir may be a bit aerated/foamy after all the excitement, but this should clear up after
sitting overnight.
4) Depending upon how much debris was in your system, you may be done at this point. On the other hand, in
an abundance of caution you may choose to replace this first filter with a new one after 1000 miles or so. (But
I would expect the 2nd filter to then last as long as the remainder of your vehicle.)
To recap, Reply #3 would be a guaranteed fix. But if you are in the situation where you just can't invest that
kind of money into a 100% brand-new (debris free) power steering system, maybe this could be a more affordable
repair strategy? Just a thought.
Best of luck --