I know this is a lil off topic but I thought if anyone can help maybe you can! I have a 92 Suburban K2500 8600GVR with 7.4L. I was wondering if you had any experience with the Hydrobooster that runs off the ps pump. When I open the Ps cap the fluid is a mustard yellowish color far from the normal color and a little bit foamy. When driving there is a groaning noise (the sound of fluid rushing through a hose) that you can clearly hear in the truck which immediately goes away when you apply the brakes. The steering is normal while in motion but when you are stopped you can only turn the wheel about a 1/4 of a turn before you have to really muscle it to move it. The fluid level is fine and I don't see any visible leaks. But I am guessing that the hydrobooster is failing as I said the groaning noise goes away with the slightest touch of the brake pedal. In terms of pedal effort it seems "normal" not excessive and not hard as a rock.

thank you
chris

It sure sounds as if your power steering pump is failing. If you can't steer all the way to full lock with the truck stopped, then your pump is not producing sufficient pressure. Also, I am a bit concerned about your mustard colored power steering fluid. I would flush the old fluid out and replace it with genuine GM power steering fluid along with replacing the pump.

Jim

Thanks Jim as always your knowledge and experience are always appreciated. I replaced the stop lamp switch today on the Burb which fixed a whole host of issues...brake lamps staying on while driving, cruise control now works, and my ABS & RE brake lamps are now staying off. Is there any particular way to FLUSH the old fluid out when I replace the P/S pump as it not only goes to the steering gear but to the hydrobooster and through a P/S cooler as well. I would like to get as much of that nasty looking fluid out as possible before installing the new pump.

thanks
chris

Remove the return line from the pump. Point the hose into a bucket. Start the engine and let the fluid flow freely into the bucket. Then turn the steering wheel to near full lock a few times. As soon as the pump starts to make a loud noise, stop the engine and add GM power steering fluid to the pump reservoir. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel to near full lock to get the new fluid into the gear and hydroboost. Let the hose discharge fluid to the pail.

Just don't run the pump too long with very low fluid.

JIML82

Thanks--will give it a try tommorrow and see if it makes a change.