Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Power steering probs when cold

[mdivincentis]

Hey all-



When it's cold out (all the time now) my power steering has some issues. It gets real stiff, and the pump makes an awful whine/groan sound. Also, the brake pedal kind of "bounces" once under my foot when I step on it. Oh, and I can feel it in the steering when I hit the brakes.



The problems go away after the system warms up. If I let my truck idle for a while (20 min. ) before I take off, the PS doesn't have any of the above symptoms. But, I hate to let my truck idle that long, especially when cold for obvious reasons (and opinions, I guess).



Fluid level is fine...



What is happening and how do I fix it? Can I get synthetic fluid? How do I drain and flush the system?





Thank you,



Matt

 

[johnrv4]

check out these threads

Matt, check out these threads:https://www.turbodieselregister.com...8026&highlight=synthetic+power+steering+fluid



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...1179&highlight=synthetic+power+steering+fluid



There's lots of reading if you do a search on synthetic power steering fluid. .



Hope this helps.

 

[JohnE]

More to the story

International Lubricants Incorporated or the makers of LubeGard now offer a PS fluid additive to take out the cold weather squeal. I tried to get some at local NAPA store, but they never heard of it.



The Valvoline was great for a year, but the synthetic additives must have pooped out. This morning was -15° and the PS system howled for a minute or two.



Time to break down and order some Royal Purple.



I bought a hand held suction gun for under $10 at a local store. They are a very handy and often overlooked shop tool.

 

[JohnE]

I picked up a bottle of the LubeGard "Power Steering Fluid Protectant" at the NAPA in the next town. It will go in the Ram tomorrow. Luckily temps are back into the 20's for the next few day so i can run it in well. Once temps go back to the sub zeros, I'll report back on results.

-John

 

[mdivincentis]

Thanks guys-



I got some Royal Purple Max EZ, and even after just one turkey baster fluid change my problems are solved.



Thanks again,

Matt

 

[JohnE]

Results from LubeGard Power Steering Fluid Protectant is amazing.



I noticed less noise in the system after sucking the reservoir dry, adding the Lubegard, and topping off with more Valvoline.



This morning it was around -10° and NO pump howl on start-up. I nudged the wheel both directions, silence. I stepped on the brakes, silence. I tried both, silence.



I'm sold on the LubeGuard PS juice.



Next will be finding the Royal Purple AND adding LubeGard.

 

[continentaldrifter]

Hello JOHNE,how many quarts did you go through?

 

[JohnE]

Originally posted by Burnt Toast

Hello JOHNE,how many quarts did you go through?

I think the reservoir holds less than a pint. I went through about 2 quarts on my fill & suck.