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Posted on Dec 16, 2009
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Both my power steering and brakes stopped working at the same time. I can still brake my truck, but only if I press har5d with both feet. There is no fluid leeking, and both the power steering and brake resivors are full. What might this problem be?

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  • Posted on Dec 16, 2009
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Joined: Dec 12, 2009
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It would sound like you have lost a serpentine belt. Do you have a braking system that is boosted by the power steering pump? While it is possible for a pump to fail it is rather unusual to do so suddenly. Unless the systems have something in common (like the power steering fluid) it is highly unlikely both systems would fail for no reason simultaneously. Did any other warning lights or an alternator gauge or temperature gauge give you any indications of a problem?

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2002 Chevy Silverado 2500 hd. My power steering went out but I still have brakes, what is broke?

Steering and Brakes are totally unrelated.

Steering wheel, steering pump, steering rack, wheels.

Brake pedal, brake servo, brake calipers and discs.

Take it to a garage.

how power steering works
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+power+steering+works

How servo assisted brakes work
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+power+assisted+brakes+works

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Did you check STOP LP fuse 15amp. in the rear fuse block ? Do you know where this is. Fuse Block - Rear Under the rear seat, on the left side of the floor pan.
The STOP LP fuse in the fuse block - rear supplies battery positive voltage to the normally open stop lamp switch. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the switch contacts close. The battery positive voltage flows to the left stop lamp assemblies, to the right stop lamp assemblies and to the center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL). The left stop lamp and the CHMSL have ground at G402. The right stop lamp has ground at G401.
Did you check for power at the stop lamp switch ? both in an out of the switch with brake pedal pressed ?
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What you describe could be warped brake rotors or bad wheel bearings. Doesn't sound like the power steering pump.
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My brakes and power-steering are not working. The brake pedal is hard, but the brakes will not engage. The power steering was not working at the same time. It has brake fluid, but when I took the power...

Yes, your brakes are boosted by the power steering pump rather than by vacuum. I don't think it's air in the system. More likely your pump has failed, but you can try bleeding the pump. Here is a procedure from autozone.com:

Observe the following:
Use clean, new power steering fluid type only Hoses touching the frame, body or engine may cause system noise. Verify that the hoses do not touch any other part of the vehicle. Loose connections may not leak, but could allow air into the steering system. Verify that all hose connections are tight.


NOTE Power steering fluid level must be maintained throughout bleed procedure.

  1. Fill pump reservoir with fluid to minimum system level, FULL COLD level, or middle of hash mark on cap stick fluid level indicator.
    NOTE With hydro-boost only, the oil level will appear falsely high if the hydro-boost accumulator is not fully charged. Do not apply the brake pedal with the engine OFF . This will discharge the hydro-boost accumulator.
  2. If equipped with hydro-boost, fully charge the hydro-boost accumulator using the following procedure:
    1. Start the engine.
    2. Firmly apply the brake pedal 10-15 times.
    3. Turn the engine OFF

  3. Raise the vehicle until the front wheels are off the ground.
  4. With key in the ON position and the engine OFF , turn the steering wheel from stop to stop 12 times. Vehicles equipped with hydro-boost systems or longer length power steering hoses may require turns up to 15 to 20 stop to stops.
  5. Verify power steering fluid level per operating specification.
  6. Start the engine. Rotate steering wheel from left to right. Check for sign of cavitation or fluid aeration (pump noise/whining).
  7. Verify the fluid level. Repeat the bleed procedure if necessary.

Observe the following:



Use clean, new power steering fluid type only Hoses touching the frame, body or engine may cause system noise. Verify that the hoses do not touch any other part of the vehicle. Loose connections may not leak, but could allow air into the steering system. Verify that all hose connections are tight.
NOTE Power steering fluid level must be maintained throughout bleed procedure.
  1. Fill pump reservoir with fluid to minimum system level, FULL COLD level, or middle of hash mark on cap stick fluid level indicator.
    NOTE With hydro-boost only, the oil level will appear falsely high if the hydro-boost accumulator is not fully charged. Do not apply the brake pedal with the engine OFF . This will discharge the hydro-boost accumulator.
  2. If equipped with hydro-boost, fully charge the hydro-boost accumulator using the following procedure:
    1. Start the engine.
    2. Firmly apply the brake pedal 10-15 times.
    3. Turn the engine OFF

  3. Raise the vehicle until the front wheels are off the ground.
  4. With key in the ON position and the engine OFF , turn the steering wheel from stop to stop 12 times. Vehicles equipped with hydro-boost systems or longer length power steering hoses may require turns up to 15 to 20 stop to stops.
  5. Verify power steering fluid level per operating specification.
  6. Start the engine. Rotate steering wheel from left to right. Check for sign of cavitation or fluid aeration (pump noise/whining).
  7. Verify the fluid level. Repeat the bleed procedure if necessary.
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