Groaning noise when COLD (below 20F)? Hydraulic pump suspected
12-12-2005, 08:10 PM
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Groaning noise when COLD (below 20F)? Hydraulic pump suspected
Just started driving my 2002 CTD 4X4 LWB in the COLD upstate NY environment (just moved up from Texas).. There is a low, groaning noise (no, it's not me, really!) eminating from under the hood when the truck is COLD - it varies with engine speed, and seems to vibrate the steering wheel - I suspect it's the hydraulic pump (PS pump) - last weekend I started it up after sitting overnight (COLD) - I didn't have power steering or power brakes for a couple of minutes - then I blipped the throttle (low rpm's) and suddenly these both came online.. I'm suspecting the hydraulic pump - any ideas? Is this normal for the truck when cold (i.e. under 20F) or should I have it checked-out? Thanks in advance for any advice!
12-12-2005, 08:11 PM
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Welcome to cold country. You have it right, it's the power steering pump. You can change the fluid to synthetic by sucking out the old stuff adding synthetic, wait a week, repeat until it stops groaning. Do a search for addition reliable info. 
If it continues may I suggest GasX, or Beano?
Plug it in under 40F that should solve your other problems.
If it continues may I suggest GasX, or Beano?
Plug it in under 40F that should solve your other problems.
12-13-2005, 06:15 AM
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Originally Posted by JoeDiesel
......Is this normal for the truck when cold (i.e. under 20F) or should I have it checked-out?......
If it's happening at 20F, I'd say it isn't normal. I've found, along with many others that the "groan" happens around 0F, give or take a few degrees. If this is your first experience with it, wait until you hear it down around -10 and below. It's really loud......That's provided you can hear it over the buzz of the VP44!
12-13-2005, 09:48 AM
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Synthetic This weekend it is!
Thank you fellas! I will "suck out the poison" and refill with synthetic. Appreciate the quick feedback! I did plug it in last night on a timer for about 1.5 hrs. before starting(inside insulated garage but only heated on-demand) and it made a HUGE difference in it's attitude this morning ("wait to start" only about 5 seconds instead of 20, and quick cranking)... Lucus fluids here we come!
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