HYDROBOOST HELP

[06MONEYPIT]

Just wondering if anyone has run into this condition before. 06 super duty, leveling kit, 305/60r18 wheel/tire. After driving at highway speeds (55-60mph) for usually 10 minutes or more, I will go to apply the brakes and the pedal gets hard at the top. When the pedal gets hard, obviously the brakes become inoperative, and the steering loses power assist. My initial thought was a brake or power steering fluid loss, but both fluids levels are within reason (not low enough to reach add marks). This is an intermittent condition, and so far (knock on wood) pumping the brake pedal has corrected the loss of power steering and brakes. Also, there is an intermittent moaning from steering column when turning and an intermittent tightness in the steering when making sharp low speed turns. This has been present for the year that I have owned the truck and engine rpm seem's to relieve the steering effort, so I attributed these things to the larger wheels and tires. Power steering pump has a slight wetness around the bottom, but again fluid was not very low, and I have never had to add any. Any suggestions for things to suspect would be appreciated. Thanks

[ciscofreak]

I have experienced the same thing. Especially when you let off from accelerating. The pedal will become hard and you can feel the cavitation through the pedal. Not sure why its doing this.

[MyTractorsSexy]

well both are controlled by the power steering pump. maybe you have a slight pressure leak or the pump is weak? the bigger the tires the harder on the pump.

[centerfitt]

the cavitation your feeling on the pedal sounds like the ABS is trying to kick it. As far as the other stuff gos, I would check to see if you have a leak. When you put the larger tire and rims on, did you by chance have a relearn done so the computer will accept the new size and act accordingly

[06MONEYPIT]

Pump was my initial reaction, I'm just not sure how to verify it as to know what pressure readings to look for

[centerfitt]

brother a hydro-boost is not something I would recommend just any one fooling with because of the safety issues. That thing uses very high pressures, something like around 1500psi. I would suggest taking it to ford and seeing what they have to say about it. I am almost betting that the PCM or something needs an update or relearn

[englewoodcowboy]

It's your pump. The computer has nothing to do with it but your tire size does. I've had the same problem with my 02 and have had to replace the pump twice in 12 years.

[centerfitt]

your computer does have a bit to do with it, how ever im not sure in this case. your computer BCM controls the ABS module, and from his description it sounds a lot like an ABS trying to engage with the pulsation in the pedal. If i still worked for ford I could get the information for you.

[06MONEYPIT]

My truck doesn't have abs

[centerfitt]

year model...and are you sure!?