2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Power steering Groan (not cold)

[SVanDyke]

Hello everyone, I recently purchased a used 99 CTD 3500 QC 2wd 5spd with 140,000mi on it. As far as I can tell, it's stock. Just from reading through the many threads available I'm learning that this site is going to be an extremely valuable resource. And I have found answers to almost all of my questions so far with the exception of one. I am getting a groaning from what seems like the steering gear or power steering pump. It only occurs when the truck has warmed up and has been driven for 10 minutes or more. When the truck is cold, it works just fine. I've checked the fluid level and it's good. In my past experience, a bad PS pump is troublesome from the time you start the vehicle. Has anyone had any experience with this sort of issue?

 

[TPlasek]

My 2000 with 108k on it groans too, after it warms up. I tried changing the "old" fluid with the Valvoline synthetic, but it made no difference. I guess when it gets too noisy or hard to steer, I'll put on a new pump. The P-style pumps are pretty cheap.

 

[Makensmoke]

mine was groaning warmed up too. Pulled in the driveway tonight and turned the wheel a little to listen (not moving) and she blew. My advise is don't strain it, I think its got a short fuse. It was groaning, felt it in the steering wheel and in the brake pedal. $308 bucks at cummins

 

[SVanDyke]

Well, after kicking around the problem in my head for a while and reading the owners manual a few times, I think I fixed the groaning problem this morning. I checked the "existing" fluid in the reservoir and it was red. So I think the previous owner must have used atf in place of power steering fluid. I used a baster and sucked as much of the existing fluid out of the reservoir and added synthetic P/S fluid and ran it for a while, then performed this maneuver again. Now the steering is MUCH better, almost no groan at all until I get to the lock on either side. Only trouble was not making a huge mess trying to get the fluid out of the P/S res.



Shane

 

[Pit Bull]

Shane I would do that again a couple of times to get as much of that old stuff out.

 

[schu777]

SVanDyke: Where did you purchase the Valvoline SynPower at? I checked at a Valvoline oil change place and believe it or not, they didn't have it. GO FIGURE? Anyway, I don't have any groaning when it's warm, but boy, 20 degree temps made it sing.



Michael

 

[SVanDyke]

I purchased the synthetic at checker auto here in AZ. I would think that most auto parts stores should have it. I'll probably have to go get another quart or so when I swap out more P/S fluid. I need to rig up a siphon or something... ... ... ...

 

[Makensmoke]

I've bought the Valvoline synthetic at Napa and at Checker here in MN.

 

[Pit Bull]

They did an article on this in the TDR. It takes like 6 changes to get to a 90% new fluid level. If your really had ATF in it I would keep changing it.