2006 Buick rendezvous

[JApol]

Something is screwy with the steering on this car.

Every time we make a sharp turn it sounds like the power steering pump on an 89 F-150. I have checked the fluid in the pump, it looks good. Somewhat light color, no flakes good level. I had my wife turn the wheel while I used a redneck stethiscope ( 12" 3/8 extension) I could hear the sound a little but it did not sound like it was coming from the pump.



That was 6 months ago

Last week I was driving it around and it doesn't sound like it is coming from the front. I think it is located more towards the right rear. This car does have AWD. Could there be something wrong with the drive in the rear of the car?

 

[Wingate]

Could be a unitized hub bearing in the rear... Does the sound change turning right vs. turning left???

 

[JApol]

Sounds mostly the same both ways. I am trying to get a hold of a service manual for cheap to see if I can figure it out that way.

 

[JApol]

I finally found the fluid required for it. It takes 2. 1 quarts and it sells for $30 a PINT!!
$120 just in fluid.
I changed out the fluid in the Versatrac. The oil came out black and smelling like 90w. What went in smelled marginally better and clear. Most of the noise went away. I hope it holds up long enough to get some good use out of it before it does.

 

[Skydiver]

Glad you found the problem JApol. My wife's 4x4 Ridgeline requires some type of extra high dollar rear end oil. I think it was around $45 per gallon. I remember the old fluid had a burnt smell as well. I did not go past the recommended enterval. The first change happened around 15k.