My truck is starting to moan loudly when I turn. Its as if the PS fuild is low, which it isnt. So far it normally happens after I have been driving a while.
At times it will moan as soon as I start the truck. Its loud as all get out! It overpowers the 4" straight pipe, which means it too loud for a turn up the radio fix.

Seriously though any ideas?

 

I'd start with replacing the fluid. Drain it completely off the low pressure side and refill with fresh fluid.

Rick

 

can u just drain it or is it like disconnect the low side and start it up and turn the wheel kind of draining?

 

Fill it with synthetic fluid.

 

You can get a suction gun, pull out most of the fluid in the reservoir fill it up, run it around the block and do that process again that will get most of the old fluid out of the system, my pump has about 1/2 quart cap.

 

Service Manual lists three causes for "Whine/Groan"
-Low Fluid
-Pressure Hose in contact with other components
-Failing Pump

Seldom see the last! I would change fluid...using Valvolines Synthetic PS Fluid. It's the only synthtetic I've seen. Hard to find. Only place I've found it is Auto Zone.

RJ

 

Everbody:

If you have a Moan/Groan/squawk that only happens on certain types of turns, seems momentary only and doesn't sounds like its the pump, but sounds like it's coming from the column or steering linkage, spray down the big black bearing pre-load spring that loads the column bearing w/ WD-40. It's the one up at the firewall. I think that noise comes from the spring. It goes away when it's lubed.

I chased that noise till I was blue-in-the-face for years.

 

Sure NOW you tell me!! I had that same problem in my 98 only while making uphill right hand turns! Never could figure it out! Sold the truck.

Rick

 

runamuk,

Mine does it on slight uphill left hands turns. More noticable when it's hot out.

 

Doesnt the hydroboost use PS fluid as well? I could have sworn that it was tied into the PS system. If so I would think its more than a 1/2 quart. I'm looking over the FSM now, and actually I cant find a fluid flow/hose routing for the hydraulic system. hmmm I might look under the brake system in the FSM. Just though of that.

 

The hydraboost is tied into the system, thats why if you draw out the fluid from the reservoir (mine about 1/2 quart) put in fresh - drive it, repeat this process several times, you will get most of the oil out of the steering box, hydraboost, power steering box and lines.
Replace it with synthetic fluid! Took the noise out of mine.

I have read where Lubeguard Power Steering Protectant also works good.

 

I dont think thats it with mine. It will at times moan the minute I start the truck, and change just by turning the wheel. However is that spring under the dash or in the engine compartment. I have not noticed anything like this yet. hmmm