Power Steering Issues

[MSLiechty]

We just got back from the mountains camping and noticed a slight PS groan that I could hear inside the cab while making the turns. I've never noticed it before driving on city streets. But the speed was much lower climbing the mountain roads. Everything seesm to be fine just something I noticed today.



Has anyone else noticed it.





Michael

 

[JWilkins]

I have a hissing sound in mine. I was told the '05 has a nitrogen assist and its normal. I dont know if that is true.

 

[67guzzler]

Mine just hisses also.

 

[rbattelle]

I was told the '05 has a nitrogen assist and its normal.

What? The hydroboost unit has a nitrogen pressure reservoir on it in case you lose the engine you can still get power assisted brakes (for 2 or 3 brake pedal depressions). I'm not sure if that unit will generate a hissing noise... I suppose it's possible. But I don't believe it's providing any kind of assist to the power steering system.



Naturally, any power steering pump will make some noise when it's pressure relief valve opens (as in when you've got the wheels cranked to the stops and you keep pressure on the steering wheel). Some noise must also be expected when turning the wheel at very low speeds (such as when parking).



If you're hearing a groaning noise at normal road speeds, that might be an indication that something's gone awry. First thing to do, of course, is check the fluid level.



-Ryan

 

[MSLiechty]

Fluid level is fine. The noise seems to happen when at low speed, say 10-15 just like when you're turning a corner, and not at full lock.



Michael

 

[LOtero]

Sounds normal to me. I deal with power steering every day as a tech, pressure lines hiss from the pressurized fluid flowing through them in a hydroboost system. If it seems excessive check any p/s lines touching steering shaft or linkages to the cab, the hiss sounds transfer a-lot through pressure lines. a moan could be a problem though. most likley a pump.

 

[lcaad1249]

I had them look at mine the other day getting some warranty work done and my pump was shot at 15,000 miles.

 

[mberry]

Check the air pressure in your front tires. They may have been too low while you were loaded up for a camping trip and fine while unloaded.

 

[scottmcd]

what ever became of the hissing sounds that you were getting at low speed turns? I have the same thing going on right now, and the mechanics are at a loss. Scott

 

[BDaugherty]

My steering would do something similar when I had been driving for a long time at highway speed or using the steering and brakes a lot. A cooler in the return line has kept my steering cool and quiet.



The cooler that I used came of a junkyard dump truck. It's a stacked plate style about 4" tall by 8" wide and 2" thick with 3/8 ID fittings.

 

[Bob4x4]

All the 3rd gens have OEM coolers



I do recomend flushing the p/s on all vehicles but especially the CTDs. The 3rd gens in particular produce a lot of heat and the fluid breaks down and there is no filter to catch the wear particles

 

[scottmcd]

Just changed the fluid and iam still getting the hissing sounds. Could it be the Hydro Boost, as everyone seems to be telling me. Is this an easy fix or does it require special tools, etc. to get it done?