2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission power steering pump buzzing

[dfriend]

It was about 9 degrees the other morning, when I started my truck the power steering pump made a horrible buzzing sound. It got louder as rpm went up and even worse if steering or brakes were applied. It slowly got a little better and I went on down the road. After about 5 miles the noise was gone.

I'm guessing the fluid was so cold the pump couldn't push it around. Is this 'normal'? Does this sort of thing damage the pump.

 

[illflem]

It's normal when cold but easy to get rid of. Just use a suction gun or turkey baster to remove as much fluid from the PS reservoir as possible and replace it with Valvoline Syn-Power fluid. You won't get all the old fluid out but it doesn't matter, the stock fluid and Syn-Power are compatible. After you drive and then change the fluid three times you will be at almost 100% synthetic but just the first change will stop the buzz.

 

[Roger rodbolt]

dfriend,

I've changed to the Syn-Power fluid in the manner that Illflem suggested and it works. Thought that I should mention that plugging in the block heater for a few hours each night will also heat the power steering pump, vacumn pump, alternator etc. , very benefical to the engine and accessories. Larry

 

[lmills]

yeh I had the same issue with mine in cold weather. I will have to try putting synthetic in it also.

 

[schu777]

As Mr. Burns would say... "Excellant"... I just love TDR with the wealth of information and easily find it and find what to do to get rid of that horrible cold power steering noise. Mine just did it the other night around 10-15 degrees and will be doing it today too since it's not going to get much above 5.



Warrenty issues... okay, I know, I'm my own warrenty station (somewhat - along with other TDR's I am... ), but could this violate it, but then again, who cares, power streering pump can't be too expensive?



Michael

 

[JCyrbok]

how much fluid

I know that it probably isnt very much but how much of the synthetic PS fluid will you need to change the intial change and then the 3 additional changes to complete it. My service manual lists capacities for all fluids except PS which states that it varies from application to application. Would like a ball park figure to get.



Thanks

J-

 

[illflem]

2 quarts will get you real close to three changes

 

[JCyrbok]

Thanks illflem.



J-

 

[Batman]

Super dumb question... ... ... . where do you get the Valvoline?

TIA

George

 

[illflem]

Napa auto parts carry Valvoline, in fact Napa brand oil is relabeled Valvoline. I've never checked but wouldn't be surprised if Napa also sells the Syn-Power fluid under their own name as well.

 

[Batman]

Thanks for the info... Illflem

 

[jrobinson2]

I bought it at Auto Zone in Las Vegas.

Jared

 

[redram]

You can also get Royal Purple MaxEZ from high performance shops such as Jegs or even from JC Whitney. It's a synthetic andis used in high rpm racing power steering units as well.



Works great in heavy duty also.



FYI

 

[David_VT]

f&*&@#@ cold weather

Been cycling out power steering fluid with the synthetic for the past couple of winters... but. .



This AM at -20F, the old steering howl was back worse then ever.



I shut the truck down and attempted to check the fluid level.

As I popped the cover off the tank, a rush of 'chocolate Latte' foam came rushing out of the tank.



After 10 minutes of having the engine running (which had been plugged in all night with the heater working), I was finally able to back and fill my way out of the driveway.



The screaming never ended all the way to work but the steering effort did drop off a bit.



After work the situation was just as bad.



I intend to flush the system once again with new synthetic fluid again but wonder if anyone has any other thoughts on what I should look at regarding this cold weather problem.



Normally I don't have this problem because my ESPAR does a good job of passing heat around the engine compartment. Naturally the ESPAR glow plug died and I have not yet replaced it..... The block heater helps the engine starting but does not seem to put off enough extra heat to help the steering system.

 

[jrobinson2]

Sounds to me like the nitrogen accumulator for the power brakes blew up. After you stop the engine you should have boosted brakes for one or two pumps, if not the accumulator is bad. When mine went I had horrible whining and very foamy oil and it took 15 or 20 minutes for the brakes and steering to work, I did find out one morning that if I reved the engine to about 2500 RPM they worked instantly (not the nicest thing on a cold engine but I had to go. On my truck new fluid got the steering and brakes working right, but no accumulator if the engine quits.

Jared

 

[DavidC]

If it is the nitrogen accumulator check here for parts

hydroboost.com/oem/index.html



Dave