Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) growling power steering

[Scrappy]

My truck's power steering has started growling at low speeds(like turning into a parking spot). when it happens, steering assist goes away. I have checked the fluid for level and water and everything looked normal but the fluid smells burn't. It seems to me that the relief valve is opening. is my ps pump or the gearbox bad. Can the relief valve be shimmed to get higher press. from the pump.

 

[bmoeller]

Replacing the fluid might help.

 

[andrewkoperdak]

Mine growls if I am at altitude and have been turning the wheel alot like on a windy mountain road. All other times my steering pump is quiet. I did have to top it off and that seemed to help some. I doubt that your gear box is bad or that your pump is bad. Try lubing the front steering joints and see it that doesn't help. I know the post above said change the fluid but I don't think there is a petcock to drain it.

R,

Andy

 

[scramblin]

They have the same problem with PSDs. The solution is to add a bottle of Lucas powerstering stop a leak (you are not using it to stop a leak). I tryed it in a PSD and a jeep and it works. It made the steering smoother and quiet. Someone was telling me that it has less of a tendancy to foam.

 

[truckstom]

Mine started doing it AFTER I suctioned it out and replaced with Amsoil. I,ve checked it a dozen times, it ain't low, just growls. I'll try some of the Lucas.

 

[truckstom]

OK, I put in about a 3rd of a bottle of Lucas... . (stuff is $$$$$)Had some other stuff to do around town, 18 or so miles, didn't growl... . yet