Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Noise Transmitted Through Steering Shaft?

[MacGreenie]

Folks,



Just installed a new PSC Powersteering steering box and Flaming River steering shaft. Combined with the DSS I already had on it and a new NAPA track bar it steers well... . just a little wander left in it.



Question: does the Flaming River shaft tend to transmit more noise through to the steering wheel than the original rag joint set up? I do have the rubber vibration damper on the shaft, by the way.



I get a subtle grinding/moaning when turning to the left while parking. A little moan to the right as well. Checked ball joints and linkages and they all seem fine. The steering box is valved for one-finger-steering so it is effortless but very smooth. I wonder if I am hearing the pump more than I used to simply because of the way the shaft is built? No noise at all with the original stock steering box was experienced and I was and still am using Valvoline synthetic fluid. The fluid is not foamy at all and is up to the right level.



Just wondering if there might be something "crunchy" in the box itself (it did feel smooth when I manually centered it during install and I did make sure it got plenty of new fluid before starting).



Who knows..... TDR experts, perhaps?



TIA



MacGreenie

 

[HEMI®Dart]

MacGreenie

I Get almost the same thing you are talking about. A Groan/Moan/ Drone type of noise on left hand turns. It's louder when turning up a slight incline. I've been trying to pin it down for about 2 years. If I could hang from the front suspension while somebody drives I could tell you where the noise is coming from. At first I thought I was coming from one of the steering stabilizers. I don't think it's coming from the actual steering column itself. Sounds like it's coming from somewhere in the steering linkage. I can't duplicate the noise in my driveway, stationary.



I have a DSS, Upper & Lower steering stablizer, and Borgeson steering shaft.

 

[muchsnow]

Folks,



Just installed a new PSC Powersteering steering box and Flaming River steering shaft. Combined with the DSS I already had on it and a new NAPA track bar it steers well... . just a little wander left in it.



Question: does the Flaming River shaft tend to transmit more noise through to the steering wheel than the original rag joint set up? I do have the rubber vibration damper on the shaft, by the way.



I get a subtle grinding/moaning when turning to the left while parking. A little moan to the right as well. Checked ball joints and linkages and they all seem fine. The steering box is valved for one-finger-steering so it is effortless but very smooth. I wonder if I am hearing the pump more than I used to simply because of the way the shaft is built? No noise at all with the original stock steering box was experienced and I was and still am using Valvoline synthetic fluid. The fluid is not foamy at all and is up to the right level.



Just wondering if there might be something "crunchy" in the box itself (it did feel smooth when I manually centered it during install and I did make sure it got plenty of new fluid before starting).



Who knows..... TDR experts, perhaps?



TIA



MacGreenie

I had installed the FR also w/ the isolator and had all kinds of power steering noise up through the steering wheel. I ended up peening the oem slip shaft, installing a grease fitting and reinstalling it, been good for last 10K w/o any problems or noise. FR shaft is holding up dust in a corner of my garage. Lessons learned... ... . some noises I can tolerate, that wasn't one of them. Good tight shaft though, for the week or so I had it in.

Do make sure that none of the PS lines are making contact with anything, take into consideration minor engine movement when inspecting.