Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Moanin and Groanin

[gitchesum]

After you get your mind out of the gutter maybe you can gimme some ideas.



Not that it get too cold down here but, when it does, my power steering/vacuum pump/brakes make one heck of a noise. Moans and groans at startup and when you turn the wheel or apply the brakes. This happens at temps below 30 or so. Yeah, I know, it don't happen much.



I'm thinking power steering fluid myself. I Might replace it with a good synthetic before winter to check it out.

Any other ideas beside the one that costs $600?

 

[DBR]

I would change the oil just in case there is moisture in the fluid which may be freezing at those temps.

 

[BFC]

Curtis,



Weekend forecast got ya nervous



Glenn

 

[gitchesum]

I wish it was gonna get that cold.

Actually I don't, I gotta ride the bike to the west side of town on Saturday to escort a bicycle ride. I don't think that will be much fun if it's 30* outside.



I've just been reading about the guys getting ready for winter and it reminded me about this.



DBR, I'm thinking moisture in the fluid too, Wonder how it got in there in the first place?

 

[dmurdock]

Originally posted by gitchesum

... DBR, I'm thinking moisture in the fluid too, Wonder how it got in there in the first place?

LOL... where do you live again??

 

[gitchesum]

I know, I know, I live in Houston. It don't get cold in Houston.



But, the 3 days a year it does freeze, it does it. I don't think it's hurting nuthin, just an annoying noise and the steering and brakes are tougher.



I don't think I can move further south without sprouting fins. But, after the last 10 days, I've already developed the webbed feet.

 

[C. Harlan]

mine does the same thing... . I just pour more fluid (LUCAS PS STOP LEAK) and away goes the noise.



-Chris-

 

[Midnight]

Just flush out your p/s fluid and replace with a brand name(pyroil seems to be very good). Replace with synthetic would be even better. God luck.

 

[TPCDrafting]

30 would be nice, it's about 8 here now with the wind blowing and snowing.



Question, does it quit after the truck warms up? I always plug the truck in (even in the garage) an hour or two before I head out, the whole thing seems happier, plus the heater works right away.

 

[gitchesum]

It does seem to get better after the engine warms up for a while. It might be an hours or so before it stops though. I figured it just took that long for the fluid to get warmed up enough.

 

[dmurdock]

Yeah curtis, i was commenting on the lack of humidity ya'll have down there. . hehe.



on a more serious note, anybody wanna post the procedures for flushing the hydraulic pump?? TexasDiesel is pimpin' out the royal purple so hard i think i'll give it a try...

 

[redram]

Put some of the funny purple stuff in... MaxEZ Power Steering Fluid.



Works.



Redram

 

[Dull Pain]

Got no moanin & groanin, but When 30 deg. or below the pump seems to freeze up. Steering will not work till I blip the accelerator pedal. Then it turns loose. Often wondered if it was water in fluid. Truck does not stay outside much and just never bothered with replacing fluid. Guess I will now.

 

[BNH4221]

Hey Gitchesum



Had the same problem with my pump at 10 or 15 degrees below zero. Pulled out as much power steering fluid as I could with a homemade vacuum device and reloaded with Valvoline synthetic PS fluid. Voila! Now only moanin' & groanin' I hear is when the wife is in it and complaining about the diesel noise.

Anybody got an idea how to make the engine loud enough to drown her out??





Steve

98 QC 12v 4X4 123000 happy miles