Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Power Steering moan

[Hohn]

My power Steering seems to moan a little bit. The first time it did it when it was bone stock, and it was because of the cold- completely normal.



So I swapped in some synthetic PS fluid, and it went away. It least for a little while. I used valvoline synpower ps fluid.



It started doing it when it was warm. I figured maybe it was the wrong fluid.



So I swapped in some premium Redline PS fluid. Seemed to help a little bit. Then, of course, it came back.



Most recently, I added some Lube Guard PS additive. No real difference.



OK, so now I am thinking that I might have screwed up my pump. The moaning is really mild-- you can feel it in the steering wheel more than you can hear it.



Is the moaning normal? Do our PS units require a special fluid?? Would a DSS help by taking some load off the box?



Please help-- I don't want to hurt my truck!!



Justin

 

[Rman]

i put in some Lubrication engineers hydraulic fluid, 7400 I think it's called. I did this after about 5k miles when it was still "new", haven't had a problem since. It did moan one cold day, but it was like -15 or so. I figured that's just the bugs getting worked out, it went away once the truck was warmed a little.



From what i've seen of these trucks, the power steering is somewhat reliable. Now the rest of the steering system is not to be included in this statement thats for sure.



good luck. You know it takes a long time to switch all the fluid it right? I'd guess at least 9-10 empties of the resivoir over the course of a week or so. I was driving mine to work and changing it everyday for a week to get "all" the fluid out.

 

[Hohn]

Is there a better way to change the fluid than just sucking out as much as you can and topping off??



That's what I've done for now, and I am sure I have about 4 different fluids in there, which I don't like.



Justin

 

[LStanphill]

Just loosen the 4 bolts on top of the steering box just forward & below the ps reservoir. then fire her up for about 15 seconds then presto! PS fluid will be propelled out all over the place & will empty the system. works great.

 

[Rman]

wow becareful doing that, those pumps don't like to run long without fluid in them. I just suck out the most I can out the resevoir and refill, it's the easiest. Shops and hookup connections to power flush it out. Perhaps this may be an option.