Sergei

Hi,
It's been covered here on forum million of times about problems with "BOMB", but my case seems to be a little bit different. The car is 87 5KCSTQW with 174k miles on the clock. The power sterring pump was replaced by previous owner in 2000 (brand new, have all receits), no leaks what so ever. The steering seems to be little bit stiff (but I guess it's ok in comparison with american and japanese cars). Every time when car sits for more than 6-8 hours, the red triangle "brakes" flashes for about 20 sec after I start the car (first I see "OK" light, than after about 10 sec the triangle lights on). Before the triangle goes off the brake pedal is very stiff (like there is no power assist at all, after the system repressurizes (about 20-25 sec) brakes are just perfect. The most interesting thing is that after I shut the car and make "the bomb test", it seems to be fine also (way more than 15 pushes before the pedal becomes rock hard). Also I tried to test the "BOMB" other way: push the brake pedal really hard (like in emergency), this triangle didn't come on. So, the question is where the system can lose the pressure if there's no leak while the car is sitting? Is there any other way to test this thing?
P.S. All fluid levels are ok (both pentosin and brake).
Any help is greatly appreciated. I hope I explained everything as good as I could.

Sergei Pokrovsky
87 5KCSTQW, 174k miles,
Fairbanks Alaska

audiqv8

Still could be your Bomb, the bomb should be able to give you over twenty pushes before going hard, without the engine running. You might also have air trapped in the system. Even though the power steering pump is only three years old it still could be the problem.

Sergei

and if it is, than how to test (or replace) it?

bobo2

ey my friend.. dont worry.. just check the tank for fluid for central hydraulic system.. might be empty.. as it was in my car.. this caused my steering wheel and breaks went hard.. sometimes.. unexpectively.. just buy special hydraulic oil.."german" 1/2 gallon for around $30 and you are safe.. :-)

audiqv8

It could be the booster, but you also stated that the steering is kinda hard. Does the steering change when you get back full pressure?