Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) My Truck Groans louder than I do.

[paguilera]

OK,, I have been loving the way my '02 has been running for some time now... I have a great combo for what I do (see profile). However, the last couple of mornings when I fired it up, I got this groaning noise that seems to intensify when I turn the wheel or step on the brake. This am, I moved it a few feet to the garage shut it down and checked the power steering fluid. Lots of fluid, but foam on top. No apparent leaks from the unit. No noise when I restart, but... . When I am moving slowly and make a turn I can hear a soft groan when the wheel is turned. Of course it goes away when wheel is straightened, and stops completely once the truck is warm.



I have a guess... but I could use some confirmation. I am guessing that the power steering/vacuum pump is going. Sound Familiar to anyone????



Ok, if it is the pump unit... . can a shadetree mech rebuild it... . Geno's has a kit, I do believe. Thanks, Paul

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Mine does that when the power steer fluid is low. I add to the correct level and the noise goes away. After 695,000 miles the steer gear and brake booster leak a little, causing the above mentioned symptom.

Has your fluid ever been changed? Might help if the level isn't low.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[paguilera]

dumb as a box of rocks

Thanks BDS... . just after I got offline I went and checked fluid level when cold and not foamy... . yep, I added 3. 5 oz and I bet the noise won't return (I hope)Thanks again, Paul

 

[JCyrbok]

My PS pump did this when cold, regardless of being full, since day one.



I changed the PS fluid to Valvoline synthetic PS and no more groan. yesterday truck sat for 10. 5 hours outside, unplugged at work and it was 4 deg F with no problem or noise.



J-

 

[fox]

I agree, change out the factory fluid.

Pay attention to it too. Mine looked and smelled like gear lube.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Paul,

Hey, good to hear it was low, hope that fixes it.

Wow! Yesterday I couldn't see your truck info in your sig, NICE TRUCK! If I didn't tow campers for a living I would want my engine set up like yours with the HTT and bigger injectors. Do you make use of the KORE much?

Merry Christmas!!!

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[paguilera]

Nice truck

Trent, thanks a bunch for your replies... . I am about to go start it up after sitting all nite and we shall see... . btw... I forgot to put in my sig that it is a 3500 dually. ,,I do love my truck and there is a pic in the last tdr of the truck and camper... I am a bit over 100k now so I need to take the photos for tdr and send it in for my tag. . the truck gets used a lot for off-road camping and I love the KORE... . I think the front springs are a bit stiff... but not as bad as the snowplow springs I had before... . but the rear packet really helped the ride and with those and a set of timbren air springs, it seems to handle the camper and boat nicely. Also a btw that might help someone..... My dually pullled to right from day one... . within factory parameters I am told... . but at 60yrs of age the last cross-country trip and the constant wheel correction damn near put my shoulder out for good... . tried longer lower control arms... . no go... the final solution was a KORE nitrogen compressed shock in place of the standard shock on the axle..... what a difference... . once you get the pressure adjusted right... it goes down the road like a rock... . Paul

 

[LandShark]

Switch to the Valvoline synthetic fluid and see if that helps. My truck PS pump used to groan and whine when temps were below 40 degrees. Switching to synthetic made a world of difference. Totally quiet. Over 100,000 miles later and no problems with the PS pump.

 

[paguilera]

Thanks everyone

Thanks for all the input... . I will finish this after I go for a ride and see how she sounds... . going to Valv syn makes a lot of sense and that is next..... gotta have some garage projects for these cold (where you stand on an issue depends on where you sit) winter days... . and no it rarely snows here... but us Ca folks snivel at the hint of winter... . its required if you live here... . but Thanks, no, no houseswaps in michigan this time of year... .



OK, back from my ride and that stopped the noise... if the level holds steady, I will go to syn... otherwise a rebuild kit is in order.





PS///a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and the best of the holidays to all at TDR and all my truck bro's and sis'... . Paul