2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission New Noise-Trip to Colorado planned

[JTruelove]

Weather in Texas just went through a cold spell and I noticed when I started the truck and turned the steering wheel or applied the brakes... it squeeked and grunted. Whats going on? I also noticed a small amount of fluid on the drivers side floor mat by the brake pedal???? I have 175K on the truck and been very pleased with it... minus LP & track bar issues. I also have not replaced the ball joint or u-joints in this thing. When do they wear out?

 

[AKAMAC]

Sounds like you are developing problems with your PS/vaccum pump assembly. A cheap try for the fix might be a PS fluid change although I think you may have more serious problems.

 

[JCyrbok]

Noise sounds normal to me

My truck has growled when first started when real cold out since it was new. Growls when the steering wheel moved side to side and when the brakes are applied. Goes away usually with in 1-2 minutes of driving. Only does it when it is pretty cold (like 20deg and below). Its normal (as long as it goes away farely quickly after driving and/or warming up). Only solution that is out there is switching to synthetic PS fluid.



How cold is a cold snap in Texas in January BTW?



As for the fluid on the floor, no guess there. Is there anything that is wet under the dash/knee panel that could give a clue? are all the firewall plugs/grommets in place? Maybe condesation from heating system in the ducts? All spit balling on these as I have never had this and do not know or think that there is any fluid that runs under the dash area to even leak. Sure U didnt step in some water and it is just residual from your shoes/boots?



Hope this helps,

J-

 

[telliott]

could the fluid on the floor have been antifreeze? sometimes when heater cores go bad they leak.

 

[JTruelove]

I wish it was something I stepped in, but I cleaned off the floor mats and it returns. It was 25 this morning. Not as cold as it is in Michigan. I've worked at the DC Cook Nuclear plant back in 1993. I remember the Blue Berry Festival. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[JTruelove]

I also noticed my cruise control doesn't work as well as before. That makes me think of a vacuum problem. Are they hard to change and what's the cost? Thanks for the reply.

 

[JTruelove]

Sounds like you are developing problems with your PS/vaccum pump assembly. A cheap try for the fix might be a PS fluid change although I think you may have more serious problems.

Replace the fluid with synthetic and no more growling... also found a 1/8" vacuum line that was cracked and that cured my cc. Still have a little fluid on the floormat though. Thanks for the reply

 

[JCyrbok]

JT did you ever figure out what the fluid was? did it have to do with the cracked line?



Just curious,

J-

 

[JTruelove]

JT did you ever figure out what the fluid was? did it have to do with the cracked line?



Just curious,

J-

Not yet... It appears to be brake fluid. Its very minimal, so I have not seen a decrease in the resoviour.



Joey