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The 1979 GMC General is a truck that holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors. Known for its robust construction and heavy-duty capabilities, this vehicle was built to endure harsh conditions, making it an excellent choice for construction, transportation, and other demanding industries. One of the key systems in any vehicle is the steering system, and in older trucks like the GMC General, issues with steering fluid can lead to problems that affect the overall performance and safety of the vehicle. In this article, we will discuss the common steering fluid problems, maintenance tips, and how to address steering system issues in a 1979 GMC General.
Understanding the Steering System in the 1979 GMC General
The 1979 GMC General, like many heavy-duty trucks from the late '70s, is equipped with a hydraulic steering system. This system uses steering fluid (usually power steering fluid) to assist in the ease of steering, especially when maneuvering large vehicles or during low-speed turns. The fluid is pumped into the steering gear mechanism, where it provides hydraulic pressure to help reduce the effort needed by the driver to turn the wheel.
In this system, key components include:
Common Steering Fluid Issues in a 1979 GMC General
Steering fluid problems are common in older trucks, particularly those that have seen years of hard work. Below are the most frequent issues that could affect the steering fluid system in a 1979 GMC General.
Regular maintenance and proper checks can significantly reduce the likelihood of steering fluid-related issues. Here’s how to properly check and maintain the steering fluid in your 1979 GMC General.
Proper maintenance of the steering fluid system in your 1979 GMC General is essential to ensure smooth and effortless steering, especially considering the truck's age and the wear it may have endured over the years. By regularly checking the fluid levels, addressing leaks, and using high-quality fluid, you can extend the life of your truck’s power steering system.
The 1979 GMC General, known for its toughness and durability, can continue to perform reliably with the right care and attention. Whether you're using it for heavy-duty construction or as a collector's item, keeping the steering system in good shape is crucial for ensuring both safety and performance on the road.
Understanding the Steering System in the 1979 GMC General
The 1979 GMC General, like many heavy-duty trucks from the late '70s, is equipped with a hydraulic steering system. This system uses steering fluid (usually power steering fluid) to assist in the ease of steering, especially when maneuvering large vehicles or during low-speed turns. The fluid is pumped into the steering gear mechanism, where it provides hydraulic pressure to help reduce the effort needed by the driver to turn the wheel.
In this system, key components include:
- Power Steering Pump: This is the heart of the steering fluid system. It circulates the steering fluid through the system.
- Steering Gear: This component receives the hydraulic pressure and helps to turn the wheels.
- Hoses and Lines: These carry the steering fluid between the pump and the steering gear.
- Reservoir: The fluid is stored here, and it needs to be topped up regularly to maintain pressure.
Common Steering Fluid Issues in a 1979 GMC General
Steering fluid problems are common in older trucks, particularly those that have seen years of hard work. Below are the most frequent issues that could affect the steering fluid system in a 1979 GMC General.
- Low Power Steering Fluid
- Cause: Over time, steering fluid can leak due to worn hoses, seals, or damaged lines. When the fluid level drops, the power steering pump can lose its ability to provide adequate pressure, making steering harder and less responsive.
- Solution: Regularly check the fluid level, and top it up as needed. If the fluid level is low, check for leaks around the pump, hoses, and connections. If there is a visible leak, replace the damaged parts immediately.
- Cause: Over time, steering fluid can leak due to worn hoses, seals, or damaged lines. When the fluid level drops, the power steering pump can lose its ability to provide adequate pressure, making steering harder and less responsive.
- Contaminated Steering Fluid
- Cause: Dirt, rust, and metal shavings from the steering components can contaminate the fluid. Contaminated fluid reduces the efficiency of the power steering pump and can cause the system to overheat.
- Solution: Flush the power steering system and replace the fluid if contamination is detected. This should be done periodically to ensure the system remains clean and efficient.
- Cause: Dirt, rust, and metal shavings from the steering components can contaminate the fluid. Contaminated fluid reduces the efficiency of the power steering pump and can cause the system to overheat.
- Worn Power Steering Pump
- Cause: A faulty power steering pump may struggle to maintain proper pressure, causing issues such as whining noises, reduced steering assist, or a stiff steering wheel.
- Solution: If the pump is not functioning correctly, it will need to be replaced. A mechanic can test the pump’s performance by checking the pressure output and identifying any unusual noise.
- Cause: A faulty power steering pump may struggle to maintain proper pressure, causing issues such as whining noises, reduced steering assist, or a stiff steering wheel.
- Air in the Power Steering System
- Cause: Air can enter the system through leaks in the hoses, fittings, or if the fluid level is too low. Air in the system can cause the steering to feel jerky, noisy, or unresponsive.
- Solution: Bleed the air from the system to restore smooth steering. This process involves turning the steering wheel from lock to lock while the engine is running to allow air to escape.
- Cause: Air can enter the system through leaks in the hoses, fittings, or if the fluid level is too low. Air in the system can cause the steering to feel jerky, noisy, or unresponsive.
- Overheated Steering Fluid
- Cause: If the power steering fluid becomes too hot, it can break down and lose its lubricating properties. Overheating can be caused by excessive driving under heavy loads, poor fluid quality, or a malfunctioning pump.
- Solution: If the fluid is overheating, check for a faulty fluid cooler or restrictor. Replace the fluid with a fresh, high-quality steering fluid designed for your specific system.
- Cause: If the power steering fluid becomes too hot, it can break down and lose its lubricating properties. Overheating can be caused by excessive driving under heavy loads, poor fluid quality, or a malfunctioning pump.
Regular maintenance and proper checks can significantly reduce the likelihood of steering fluid-related issues. Here’s how to properly check and maintain the steering fluid in your 1979 GMC General.
- Checking Fluid Level
- Locate the power steering reservoir. It is typically found near the engine, often near the power steering pump.
- Check the fluid level by removing the cap or dipstick. If the fluid is below the recommended level, add the correct type of fluid as per the truck’s manual.
- Locate the power steering reservoir. It is typically found near the engine, often near the power steering pump.
- Inspecting for Leaks
- Visually inspect the power steering pump, hoses, and lines for any signs of leaks. If there is any fluid around these areas, you may have a leaking seal or hose that needs attention.
- Visually inspect the power steering pump, hoses, and lines for any signs of leaks. If there is any fluid around these areas, you may have a leaking seal or hose that needs attention.
- Flushing the Steering System
- A flush may be needed if you notice the steering fluid is dark or dirty. To perform a flush, remove the old fluid, replace any old seals or filters, and refill the system with fresh power steering fluid.
- A flush may be needed if you notice the steering fluid is dark or dirty. To perform a flush, remove the old fluid, replace any old seals or filters, and refill the system with fresh power steering fluid.
- Listening for Noises
- Pay attention to unusual noises while operating the steering wheel. A whining or groaning noise could indicate a problem with the power steering pump or air in the system.
- Pay attention to unusual noises while operating the steering wheel. A whining or groaning noise could indicate a problem with the power steering pump or air in the system.
Proper maintenance of the steering fluid system in your 1979 GMC General is essential to ensure smooth and effortless steering, especially considering the truck's age and the wear it may have endured over the years. By regularly checking the fluid levels, addressing leaks, and using high-quality fluid, you can extend the life of your truck’s power steering system.
The 1979 GMC General, known for its toughness and durability, can continue to perform reliably with the right care and attention. Whether you're using it for heavy-duty construction or as a collector's item, keeping the steering system in good shape is crucial for ensuring both safety and performance on the road.
