2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Power Steering Pump Failing?

[ESheffield]

Having some problems with the power steering on my '02 2500. Start it up on a cold (10 to 20 degrees) and the the PS system is pulsating and groaning badly. Can feel the pulsing through the brakes, and it's very hard to turn the wheel. Shut down and check the fluid and it's foamy and smells burnt. Wait about 10-15 minutes and start up again and it's much better - almost normal. Happened 3 times so far. First time several weeks ago (didn't notice the burnt smell then) and now twice again - last night leaving work and this morning.



With the burnt smell I'm assuming my PS pump is on the way out. Agreed? Found some threads that sound similar, so I'll plan to add an inline filter as well. But what likely caused this? Just the low temps? Crap / water in the fluid? Wonder if the belt may be slipping too, though I don't notice any squealing that you usually get with that. But I've noticed the voltage takes a while to come up at times too (along with some glitches that seem like low voltage at times). Seems like a longshot, but does some connection there seem possible? I know it needs a new belt regardless.



Thanks!



Eddie

 

[JCyrbok]

Sounds normal to me.

Having some problems with the power steering on my '02 2500. Start it up on a cold (10 to 20 degrees) and the the PS system is pulsating and groaning badly. Can feel the pulsing through the brakes, and it's very hard to turn the wheel. Shut down and check the fluid and it's foamy and smells burnt. Wait about 10-15 minutes and start up again and it's much better - almost normal. Happened 3 times so far. First time several weeks ago (didn't notice the burnt smell then) and now twice again - last night leaving work and this morning.



With the burnt smell I'm assuming my PS pump is on the way out. Agreed? Found some threads that sound similar, so I'll plan to add an inline filter as well. But what likely caused this? Just the low temps? Crap / water in the fluid? Wonder if the belt may be slipping too, though I don't notice any squealing that you usually get with that. But I've noticed the voltage takes a while to come up at times too (along with some glitches that seem like low voltage at times). Seems like a longshot, but does some connection there seem possible? I know it needs a new belt regardless.



Thanks!



Eddie

Other than the burnt smell my PS pump has acted like that since truck was new. Switching to Vavoline Synthetic PS fluid fixed the problem completely. The PS pump provides pressure to the brake system too, so thats why u feel/heard noise when u brake too when cold. Prior to changing to synthetic PS fluid I would just deal with it for a few miles or saw the wheel back and forth a couple of times and that would take care of it.



The voltage "problem" you are describing is likely normal too. The grid heaters take alot of juice. When the truck is started up. They cycle for aprox 3 minutes after start up and if really cold will start cycling at idle too. This will make the volt meter drop and come back up. If it is really cold my volt meter looks like a windshield wiper, LOL. You headlights will dim, fuel pressure will fluctuate, windows up and down slow and wipers slow while the grids are running too.



Other than the burnt smell (mine didnot smell new when I changed it, but I would not describe it as "burnt" just stronger smell than fresh from bottle) I think what you are describing is completely normal. As long as both issues are occuring while cold and go away with in about 5 minutes after start up I wouldnt worry about it.



Is this a new truck to you or did you move from a warm climate?



Hope this helps,

J-

 

[ESheffield]

Thanks for the info! Maybe I'll try swapping fluid before I go and replace the pump. The burnt odor still has me a bit worried though. Any tips on how to do the fluid swap, getting all the old out, priming, etc?

And this is my first diesel, had it since May. So this is my first winter with it. And since it's from TX, it's probably the coldest temps it's seen too.

 

[JCyrbok]

Thanks for the info! Maybe I'll try swapping fluid before I go and replace the pump. The burnt odor still has me a bit worried though. Any tips on how to do the fluid swap, getting all the old out, priming, etc?



And this is my first diesel, had it since May. So this is my first winter with it. And since it's from TX, it's probably the coldest temps it's seen too.

The easiest way I have found to change out the fluid is call the turkey baster method. (do a search here on TDR and there should be lots of info).



Get a turkey baster and suck out as much of the fluid out of the pump resesivour, which will be about 12-16oz. refill with new fluid to the full mark on the dip stick. no need to prime etc and drive for a few days and then repeat. six times like this and I belive I read that 98% of the fluid will be new.



Mine quiet making the noise after just one change with the synthetic, but I did all 6 so the fluid was new in the system.



Your first diesel is like your first kid. Every noise etc and u get worried, LOL but you will get used to the "personality" of ur truck and engine.



Hope this helps and feel free to ask anything. Also welcome to TDR.

J-