When temps get really cold(below 15F) I get a growling noise feeling through the steering column when turning and also when i apply the brakes. After the truck warms up everything is fine. Any one else experience this and what to do to fix?

 

First thing, try changing the oil, get yourself a turkey baster and suck out all the fluid you can, refill, and drive it for a bit. Repeat until the fluid is clean. You can also try ( Infidel or someone else needs to chime in here the name ) PS fluid additive, comes in a red bottle......

None of that helped mine, mine turned out to be a very small leak that got worse. My PS hard line had gotten a small hole rusted in it. After all that, when I put the good line on all my problems went away.

 

I used to swap over to synthetic PS fluid until I discovered Lubegard PS Protectent to cure the winter grown.
Much cheaper, easier and works excellent.
Most auto parts carry it or buy here http://www.amazon.com/Lubegard-Power...2&sr=1-1-spell

 

Thanks Bill, you would swear I could remember the stupid name, just had a blank forehead moment......

 

I had a 'new' rebuilt PS pump that was a bit noisy and I used Lubeguard per infidel's suggestion and 90 percent of the noise went away. It works.

 

I'll try the Lubeguard. I wonder if it's sold at NAPA stores? Like I said, this has been doing the groan thing since the truck was almost new. I was going to take it to the dealer when it was still under warranty but, by the time I drove it 5 miles or so the noise was gone. Thanks for the replies and Happy New Year!

 

My local Napa carries it.

 

http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Det...618_0254113885

 

from what I understand the lub guard, additive brings your current fluid up to a ATF+2 standard.
if it was me, I'd do the turkey baster, method and get the old fluid out of there, most times its the most abused fluid in a veh as very few people EVER flush their powersteering, and in the dodge truck it does double duty, providing both steering and brake assist,
a bottle of synthetic ps fluid is not that expensive, and will definately help cure the groaning, or even fresh fluid with the lub guard would do wonders

 

I've been using ROYAL PURPLE for 3 years now. No problems and no growl.

 

I'd also consider using the lube-gard flush first then putting the additive into the fresh fluid. This worked really well for me.

Cheers! Randy.