Think I maybe hurt my power steering

[419TrailWisperer]

So I went scouting trails around town today, and got stuck. Flipped it into 4HI, nothing. Tried 4LO, still nothing. Tried forward and reverse cycles, and still nothing... I'm high centered. When trying to get myself out, I was turning the wheel back and forth, looking for traction. When the wheel started to get hard to turn, I knew I was burning up the steering pump, so I got the shovel and come-along. After I got back to the street, I noticed When I gave it gas i had power steering. If I was off the gas, no power steering. I found a parking lot to see if i could find broken parts or fluid leaking. Other than alot of mud and dirt, nothing looked broken or leaking. Thought I might try turning full range left to right, so i did a slalom through the parking lot. Power steering fixed!?! My question(s) is... Think it was just some water in the system? Steering rack leaking internally? Have any of you guys ever had this problem?

[Norcrosski]

Mine is currently doing this hope someone can help

[DirtyBacon04]

mine did that for a while....
I replaced the PS Pump. Fixed.

[Hillbillybonez]

Good Lord it must be the day for this, On our way home today when I went to make a turn it was like I had manual steering.

[Eredin]

Fluid burn up? I don't know enough about the racks to know if burnt fluid would cause something like this, but it can't be healthy.

[Norcrosski]

My fluid is new. Also mine works some day just like normal then a few days later it will quit again

[DirtyBacon04]

replace it. not difficult.

[419TrailWisperer]

Yeah... Power steering pump, Started taking it down after work today. One of the Techs I work with, said he has seen alot of pumps fail at the Pulley shaft. The belt puts just enough stress on the pulley at high RPM, Which in turn puts stress on the shaft, Which then wallows out the internals. In Extreme situations i.e. Trying to get unstuck, can burn them up really quick. Moral of the story... don't go wheeling alone, and always bring a shovel.


I tried to go around, at the same time trying not to tear up the truck on the trees to the left. Felt the front sliding into the rut, turned to the left to try and get out, then the back slid in. Knew I was in trouble

On a positive note, I've learned alot about cleaning and drying carpet after being waterlogged for an hour... sliver lining right?
...Maybe waiting til i get a lift and some tires might help aswell

Anyway, Thanks for the Info guys