Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel related, hig frequency buzzing/vibration.

[Mariner]

Hi all,



I'm new to this group, so you will have to bear with me if this has come up before.



I have a 2002 3500 dually, auto. During the recent colder weather for my area (-9 degrees celcius or about 16 farenheit), I have had some strange vibrations on the drivers side, on start up. These were of high frequency and lasted for about 30 secs or so - I could feel the vibration through the steering wheel and it also seemed to change pitch when I started to move the truck. I think it is one of two things:

1) power steering pump cavitating with the cold power steering fluid

or

2) fuel lift pump starting to play up/go.



Have any of you experienced the above?



This buzz/vibration slowly disappeared as the engine warmed up and was completely gone in a few mins. I had thought of fuel starvation du to gelling of the fuel, but the temp was no where near cold enough for that.



Any ideas anyone?



TIA



Mariner

2002, 3500 dually, Q/C, LB, 4x4, Auto andlotsa beels and whistles (31,000km)

 

[RustyJC]

It's probably the hydroboost system that supplies hydraulic assist to the steering and brakes. Conventional wisdom is that synthetic fluid will reduce or eliminate this problem.



Rusty

 

[jabird]

I had the same problem about a week ago here when it got down to -15. Sucked out all the power steering fuild and replace with a synthedic. Problem was solved in my case