Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cold Startup Power steering issue

[JGatt]

I have an issue with my 2002 diesel. When ever the temperature is in the single digits, my power steering sounds like it is decavitating and vibration is heard and felt in brake pedal. After it warms up (15 minutes or so), the noise and vibration goes away. The dealer says they all do that? An one have similar issues and if so, what's the cure.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

Had the same problem with my 01, I changed the power steering fluid 2 years ago for Valvoline Synthetic power steering fluid and no problems since. We had -10 degrees 2 days ago, truck fired right up, and used one finger to turn the wheel as I always to pull out of the drive. Truck now has a 156,000 miles on the OEM pump.

Kyle

 

[sfritts]

I put Valvoline Synthetic in mine for the cold weather and it works very well cold -25 to +100 deg. also the brakes work better at below 0 if you need they before the oil warms when you have a hyd assist brake booster. I' at 120,000 + and 70,000 with the synthetic in it and no problems. I hate when the dealers say " they all do that " instead of just telling how to fix it, Because when the pump cavitates it is just as hard on the pump as running it out of oil. Then again that's why they make new pumps to sell after the warranty runs out isn't it.

 

[EdK]

Sometimes persistance can pay off; a friend here in Ohio had a 4 cylinder Camrey that vibrated at idle with the A/C on. The dealer claimed "they all do it. " Several members of an arbitration group drove three dealer-provided vehicles and agreed that they all do it. HOWEVER... that doesn't mean it makes it an acceptable problem and the dealer had to buy the car back including payments (with interest) from the first day the dealer was aware of the problem!!!



Ed

 

[johncameron]

Mine screams too, Guess I should change it !

 

[jeepit]

Ok, so just siphon as much of the old PS fluid out and replace with the Valvoline?

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

This method takes two people but does a great job. You will need three quarts of power steering fluid and a long funnel. Please BE very careful when doing this because of working around a running engine.

1st disconnect the return line from the back of the pump and cap off the pump connection after allowing it to drain into a pan. NOTE: tie down the return line so it will not move an is going into a old empty gallon bottle of anti freeze or oil, if you don't the line will dance around spraying your old power steering fluid everywhere :{ .

2nd refill the pump with the Val. Synthetic power steering fluid,

3rd Have someone start the truck (make sure you have the park brake on and the transmission in nuetral)

4th using the long funnel pour new fluid into the power steering pump keeping it from running dry(DO NOT let the pump run dry, it will burn up in a heart beat )

5th have the person in the truck rotate the steering wheel lock to lock several times while filling the pump, also step on the brake petal several times as well.

6th shut down engine, reconnect line to pump, check fluid levels (don't over fill), check for leaks.

You should see MAJOR improvement in steering wheel feel and ease of steering. Also brake petal will operate easier as well.

I do this once a year and I can turn the wheel lock to lock with just one finger(truck not moving).

Hope this helps

Kyle