1997 Chevrolet Truck Brakes

1997 CHEVROLET TRUCK
98,000 MILES • 6.5L • V8 • TURBO • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JTUNTLAND
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Hello:
I have a 1997 Chevy silverado z71 6.5 turbo diesel. the problem I have is the brakes. Yes I tried bleeding them. But the brake pedal is hard during pressure is applied. A near by mechanic said my power steering pump needs to be replaced, steering is ok, but he said diesels power steering pumps provide vacuum to the hydro brake booster.
So I am confused, if the power steering is working. Does the pump still need to be replaced?.
May 27, 2014 at 5:00 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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He is most likely correct. Hydro-boost power assist was introduced as an alternative to the vacuum booster. The hydro-boost uses the hydraulic pressure from the power steering system to provide power assist when applying the brakes. In a diesel, there is no vacuum assist from the engine to provide what is needed for a traditional brake booster to work, so this is what is used.
May 27, 2014 at 6:42 PM
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JTUNTLAND
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Thank You for your response and reply to my question. Now I can start focusing on the repairs.
Jun 2, 2014 at 7:59 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Glad to help. Let me know if you have other questions.
Jun 2, 2014 at 9:48 AM