2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Is my power steering pump ready to die?

[SBall]

Last year I noted the much described "groan" coming from my power steering system on a very cold morning. After a mile or so the noise diminished so I didn't pay it much mind. A few weeks ago while on a winter truck camper trip to New Hampshire, with temperatures hovering around 0 deg/F, the steering pump was really growling. In fact, when first started the steering and brakes were dead until I blipped the throttle to about 1500RPM. Once underway, the noise persisted for about 45 minutes of driving. I was nervous to say the least.

Upon arriving home I dug out TDR issue forty and implemented Joe Donnelly's turkey baster procedure, (7-iterations) with Valvoline synthetic power steering fluid. The first batch of fluid removed from the system was as dark as kahlua, while the new synthetic is almost clear as water. After the 7th flush the truck steers great with no moaning, and the brakes even seem more responsive, but here's the question ... . Now when warm, the steering system "squeaks" as the steering wheel is turned. While the power steering works better than ever, this new noise has me wondering is another remote winter truck camper trip might be a little too risky due to impending failure of the power steering pump. I'd hate to have to cross country ski home!

Steve

 

[rono]

I had the same problem you described and used the same solution with changing to synth. and never had any more problems. I don't know what the squeak may be except maybe one of the joints on the steering shaft.

Ron

 

[monkfarm]

Ditto what rono said. I did that when I started getting the groaning a couple of years ago and never had any problems.