I have a stock '97/2500/5 speed/4wd with 170,000+ miles on it.

Whenever it's below, say, 30F there's a groaning noise coming from the engine compartment that's independent of whether or not the clutch is engaged. It is RPM sensitive and is noisier with increasing RPM off idle whether in gear or just revving the engine while stationary. I can't pick out where it's coming from when I lift the hood, wondering if it's the alternator. In warmer weather, there's no trace of the sound.

I'd appreciate anyone else's experience with this.

 

I know Mine does it when you hit the breaks but I'm guessing its the powersteering pump just being cold

 

Cummins Freak, thanks!

It just occurred to me that I changed the power steering fluid last summer--there was never any noise before that. I don't remember what brand of fluid I put in, but I think I'll get some OEM stuff and change it again.

 

Try some Lucas PS sealer. My 99 was making noise, but no leaks. The Lucas was recommended to me and I tried it. Just topped the pump off with it, not even half the bottle, and darned if the noise didn't disappear within about 20 seconds of running has hasn't been back, regardless of temperature. This was years ago.

Chris

 

The problem being with the PS pump makes sense, since it's a hydraulic sort of noise I'm hearing. Duh.

I looked in my service manual and there's a diagnosis section for PS noise, with a whine or growl being an indication of abnormally high pressure. Causes are listed as low fluid level (it's not low), hose touching body or frame (they don't), or extreme wear of pump internals. I'll probably change fluid again using OEM and will try adding some of the Lucas product, too.

Thanks for the help.

 

It should get louder when you steer or apply the breaks, then you can be sure that is the issue. I did a similar fix with similar additive than was recommended from a previous thread, some kind of synthetic blend with Honda listed on the label.

I did a partial fluid change beforehand by disconnecing one of the easily accesible lines up by the brake booster and running it dry twice. But, it was the additive that made the groan stop.

Mark

 

Lubegard is the best power steering addditive I've found for the hydro-boost system.
http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/index_pwrstr.html

A complete flush of the system is a good idea, too.

 

Regarding the Lubegard--it looks like I should probably flush with their product prior to changing fluid. I don't have a flush machine. What I've done in the past to change fluid is use a vacuum pump to suck out the reservoir, fill with new fluid, run the engine, and repeat that procedure a few times.

Would that work for flushing? Then what would be the best way of removing the flush fluid prior to filling with new PS fluid? I don't see anything that's obviously a drain plug on either the pump or steering gear.

Again, thanks for all the help so far and what's yet coming.

 

I had the same problem & bought a suction gun & took out most of the old fluid & added some syn power steering fluid I did it 2x since you can't get it all out the first & it's quiet now.
Bob

 

I've got a MityVac fluid evacuator I use for doing brake fluid, transfer case fluid, diff fluid, etc. One of the handiest tools I own.

 

Any kind of suction gun does a pretty good job. Just need to repeat the suck, fill, & run process 2 or 3 times.

Another is to disconnect the return hose and point down to a drain pan. Plug the port on the reservoir and top off with fresh fluid (use the cheap stuff), start the engine and top off until you use up a quart. Continue with a quart of the Valvoline stuff. Often, the Valvoline fluid is enough to quiet the system.

 

I'm not a big fan of chemical "flush".

 

Not even the Lubegard product?

 

Never used the lubegard flush. Very possible it is great stuff.
Just very leary because of problems with other products.