98 K3500 Steering

I'm not familiar with that kind of problem. Steve will likely post in a short while, and he knows his stuff.

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Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus

Heavier steering is somewhat normal with the hydro-boost system. However it shouldn't be surging like you say it is. It sounds like the pressure control is sticky. A pressure gauge would show if it's a problem with the pump or down the line. Why did you replace the line? Leak or did it fail? Any noise from the pump or grinding from the steering box?

Hose blew out on me. First thought it was the pump, but just the hose. Pump was making a little noise, but shut it down before any damage to it. The 'Valve' that controls the steering assist at speed is what I am having checked the 20th of the month. I have replaced most of the front end, at 324,000 miles, and buying the truck used from a divorce settlement, and she admitted to 'curb jumping'. I have replaced three of the five hoses associated with the steering/brakes. I will replace the last two hoses before service. Might get lucky and get steering fixed. Tired of it steering like a Ford.

Had truck serviced. Mechanic thought steering box was a little loose. (I changed it out about 5,000 miles ago with no change in steering like a Ford.) He tightened it a little, now it steers much more true to the center of the road, but at highway speed it still has a slight surge in the steering. Strange surge, like it is on ice. Steers real light, then goes back to a truck steering. This valve you mention, is it on the power steering pump? (My pump has two wires going to it.)

It is on/in the pump.

Thanks. Looks like I need a pump. Hell 435,000 on it. Guess it's time for a new one.

NAA that's just getting started... While you have the pump out it wouldn't be a bad idea to check all the hidden lines under it like oil/brake/cooler.