Power Steering Pump Problems of GMC C2500

Vehicle is a 2002 GMC hd 2500 pickup truck with a duramax diesel engine, and 5 speed allison transmission while driving on surface streets, the power brakes and steering both went out simultaneously. Stopping required both feet on pedal, and steering was nearly impossible. Problem traced to the "hydroboost" and the power steering pump. Both were replaced along with the high pressure hose. Evidently, the pump failed to yield any boost pressure, which in turn rendered power steeling and brakes inoperative. A very dangerous situation. The tow truck that responded indicated that they have had multiple failures of the same items (87 ot 8 GMC hd trucks) and in blogs with other GMC/chevy diesel owners it appears to be a common defect. There were no noises, or other indicator of pending problems. Contact with the dealer revealed that " I should change the ps fluid every 2 years: (not in the maintenance section of owner manual).

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Power steering pump failed , lost complete control of steering and braking, dealer installed new pump, said shaft was broken.

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I own a 2001 GMC 2500hd 4wd, automatic transmission, extended cab, shortbed, 6. 0 litre gas engine. Purchased in October 2000. The truck is completely stock except for an tire upgrade to 285/75 r16. On Dec 17, 2003, I took a wide left turn on to a street. After making the first left, the steering felt strange. While making the second left the power steering disappeared completely and so did the brakes. The vehicle was now heading too wide right and I was stomping on the brakes to try and stop it. I almost ran into a post to the right of the turn. Luckily there was no traffic and I was able to bring the truck to a stop. The power steering was completely gone and so were power brakes. I had to muscle the 8600 lb. Truck back and finish the turn in a very physical manner. This was no easy task. I drove it a short way home very slowly and with great difficulty. I discovered the power steering pulley shaft had sheared inside the power steering pump. I replaced the power steering pump. The day after the second unit was installed, the very same thing happened again. I snapped the same shaft on the second pump. Fearing I had just received a bad part, I again replaced the power steering pump. I spoke to many mechanics specializing in front end and steering work. They have all confirmed that this is the same pump that has been used in older gm truck models. The only difference is now the pump provides additional work to the power brake assist. This is beyond the ability of the older design pump, originally only designed to provide power steering. The situation that most commonly occurs when this pump fails is usually when the vehicle is in motion and during a turn. To lose control of these heavy trucks in this instance is dangerous and could very likely cause and accident. I am very concerned about the design of this critical component and the immediate loss of vehicle control that happened to me. There are many of these trucks out there that have this same flaw.