When it is cold out, below freezing, when I turn the wheel or hit the brakes it makes a loud moaning sound. After it warms up it quits.

Should I put new fluid in it?

If so, how do I flush that whole system?

Can I put in synthetic in it.

Is there a filter I need to deal with.

Thanks in advance

 

FlyingD, I had the same problem until I upgraded the fluid to synthetic a few months back. I used Lucas but I have heard really good things about Amsoil. Every cold snap my Hydroboost used to make really rude noises until it warmed up and I could feel a vibration through the steering wheel.

 

I had the same symptoms as you explain several years ago with my 2001.5. I discovered that the power steering pump would get noisy once the colder temperatures set in. As the fluid begins to wear, the pumps tend to accumulate condensation and wear materials. I found that the colder temperatures exacerbate the condition and ice forms,which is likely what you encountered. I decided to change the fluid with synthetic power steering fluid and have not had any problems since; however, I do this on a regular basis because I would rather not replace the pump any time soon. The power steering fluid is one of the most neglected items on vehicles and usually are not replenished unless the power steering pump requires replacement.

In order to replace the fluid, I pump it out of the reservoir with a turkey baster or a pump from a bottle of hand soap/shampoo. I also use Redline synthetic PS fluid, but Amsoil or Royal Purple also fit the bill. I also recommend you perform the procedure a second time within the next day or so. At that time you will have changed out a high percentage of the contaminated fluid with little effort and no mess. The system does not have a filter in it from the factory.

 

Ditto on Lucas, works just as good when in single digits as when warmed up. Use a turkey baster or siphon pump to empty the resevoir, then fill with new fluid, let it run and repeat until the fluid is new looking. Took me 3 or 4 cycles, maybe 2 small bottles.

 

I used to swap for synthetic fluid but found that LubeGard power steering protectant works just as good and is easier to do.

 

Agree with the synthetic fluid switch, mine did the same til I changed it out....

There is a small mesh filter on one of the power steering hose attachments, but don't worry about it now....