foaming power steering fluid - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

oldgreygoat · 05-02-2013, 05:07 PM

I changed the power steering pump out on my 3/4 ton that has hydro-boost brakes. the pump I took off was one that has the remote fluid container. I changed to one that is self contained fluid. my problem is when I started it up and turned the wheel, it jerked, and sounded like it was way low on fluid. I cut it off, and took the cap off to check, and pink foam just poured out, I assume its getting air in it somewhere, but it wasn't leaking anywhere, so all the fitting were tight. anyone had this problem, I'm stumped as to what it is causing it. any help ??

83GMCK2500 · 05-02-2013, 05:12 PM

How pink? If strawberry shake it most likely has water in it. Was this a used pump/reservoir?

BIG V · 05-02-2013, 05:28 PM

Fyi when you replace the fluid make sure to use the clear power steering fluid, reason being if its red its atf and it doesnt have a anti foaming agent.
Posted via Mobile Device

motornut · 05-02-2013, 05:55 PM

ATF there,causes leaks sooner,voids a pump warranty too

donut · 05-02-2013, 06:32 PM

You also have to force out a lot of trapped air. If I'm picturing it in my mind correctly, the hydrobooster (?) is sitting higher than the reservoir, complicating matters.

I changed out my steering box and it took some time for the foam and a full res to stabilize.
I ran mine for a few minutes, let it sit for about 1/2 hr, top off, repeat. Don't know if it's the correct procedure, but it worked for me. Gave time for the foam to settle before I tried again.

oldgreygoat · 05-02-2013, 07:38 PM

thanks for the help, I did buy it used from pull a part, it had a reman sticker on it from some co. The foam is strawberry pink, come to think of it, it did have red fluid in it, and I didn't think to drain it out, but topped it off with lucas power steering fix. I did check it a while ago, and the foam was gone.

05-02-2013, 05:07 PM	#1
oldgreygoat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: snellville, Ga. Posts: 12	foaming power steering fluid I changed the power steering pump out on my 3/4 ton that has hydro-boost brakes. the pump I took off was one that has the remote fluid container. I changed to one that is self contained fluid. my problem is when I started it up and turned the wheel, it jerked, and sounded like it was way low on fluid. I cut it off, and took the cap off to check, and pink foam just poured out, I assume its getting air in it somewhere, but it wasn't leaking anywhere, so all the fitting were tight. anyone had this problem, I'm stumped as to what it is causing it. any help ??

05-02-2013, 05:12 PM	#2
83GMCK2500 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Beaverton, OR from WA State Posts: 1,515	Re: foaming power steering fluid How pink? If strawberry shake it most likely has water in it. Was this a used pump/reservoir? __________________ Devin 1983 GMC High Sierra 2500, 4x4, RC/LB, 400 S.B., SM-465, NP-208, Corporate 10 bolt & 9.5" 14 bolt 1996 GMC Sierra SLE 3500 DRW, 4x4, EC/LB, Vortec 454, NV-4500, BW-4401, AAM 925 & AAM 1050 1997 GMC Sierra SLT 1500 4x4, Z71/F44, EC/SB, Vortec 350 My Introduction with my '83s History New Daily, the '96

05-02-2013, 05:28 PM	#3
BIG V Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 411	Re: foaming power steering fluid Fyi when you replace the fluid make sure to use the clear power steering fluid, reason being if its red its atf and it doesnt have a anti foaming agent. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1991 Chevy suburban 3/4 ton 4x 4:56 and pulls great 1979 Chevy 1/2 ton long bed diesel 1974 Chevy crew cab short bed 3/4 ton 4x4 project 1991 Chevy suburban 2wd 1984 Chevy suburban 3/4 ton 4x 6.5 detroit with turbo 1961 Chevy pickup 1/2 ton 2wd 1975 gmc crew cab short bed 2wd

05-02-2013, 05:55 PM	#4
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: foaming power steering fluid ATF there,causes leaks sooner,voids a pump warranty too __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

05-02-2013, 06:32 PM	#5
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: foaming power steering fluid You also have to force out a lot of trapped air. If I'm picturing it in my mind correctly, the hydrobooster (?) is sitting higher than the reservoir, complicating matters. I changed out my steering box and it took some time for the foam and a full res to stabilize. I ran mine for a few minutes, let it sit for about 1/2 hr, top off, repeat. Don't know if it's the correct procedure, but it worked for me. Gave time for the foam to settle before I tried again. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.

05-02-2013, 07:38 PM	#6
oldgreygoat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: snellville, Ga. Posts: 12	Re: foaming power steering fluid thanks for the help, I did buy it used from pull a part, it had a reman sticker on it from some co. The foam is strawberry pink, come to think of it, it did have red fluid in it, and I didn't think to drain it out, but topped it off with lucas power steering fix. I did check it a while ago, and the foam was gone.



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