2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Power Steering pump howling in cold 15 deg weather

[richardleonard]

This morning I woke to 15 deg weather. When I started the truck the power steering pump howled everytime I turned the wheel,, I did check the fluid levels - everything seems fine and this noise went away after things warmed up a bit so I am assuming this is just normal when everything is cold. . Prior to this I did not notice this happening but it hasn't been 15 deg around here in Virginia either. . Just a query - I don't believe its a problem. . Just wondered if anyone else experenced this.

 

[FFutch]

Mine did it last year too on a cold day. It was a little low on fluid,topped it off and it's been fine since. It was -3 deg. today and I didn't hear anything from it. I also try let mine warm up for a few extra minutes when the temp drops. My Pac- brake will warm it up to operating temp in 10-15 minutes... . Doug

 

[Adam]

squealin' pump

When the dealership winterized my vehicle they removed all the fluid from the reservoir and replaced it with a thinner fluid. I'm not sure of the name or part number, but it solves most of the problems. I don't have a noise problem 'till it's around -20, and it goes away with a few minutes of run time. If I have to take off right away, I'm really careful about how fast and sharp I turn the wheel until she warms up a bit. Haven't had a blow-out yet, although I have heard of it happening to others.

-Adam

 

[tntway]

i had the same thing this morning---was 18 out

 

[richardleonard]

Its 20 deg out now

The temp is up to 20 deg and everything is normal,, I did top off the power steering pump because it was a bit low,, still on the dip stick though. But the temp being up has "cured" the howling issue. . Must be somewhat normal when the temps dip into the teens or lower. .

 

[illflem]

Here's info on how to eliminate the cold weather squeal. http://216.235.147.117/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61106

 

[RBSOB]

Thanks!!

Thanks,illflem, Whitmore and others for the tips on synthetic change-over. Mine squealed and shuddered this AM at about 0 degrees, never before thru 2 winters. Changing over tomorrow!! Jim G.

 

[stownsend]

I had this problem just a couple of weeks ago, and then I changed the fluid to Valvoline Synpower Power Steering Fluid, thanks to the suggestions from the forum!



Do this and it will be fine the next cold morning.



Steve

 

[richardleonard]

Problem went away

Thanks to everyone who answered back. . The few ounces of fluid I added to the power steering pump did the trick. . I started it up in 9 deg temps - no more howling and everything seemed to operate fine,, I guess it was a bit low - right from the factory and the dealership who did a "new truck" checkover before they delivered it. . Thanks again. .

 

[Scrappy]

steering howl

The howl I had was diagnosed to the wrong fluid in it for my location (Alaska). The dealer changed it to Arctic Fluid under warranty.

 

[BRobertson]

I changed mine when I had 2000 miles on it . I replaced the factory fluid with Valvoline Synthetic. I have used it down to -45F with no weird noises.

The 03 owners manual specifies ATF+4 for the power steering. I replaced the fluid in my wifes new 03 with Amsoil ATF+4 when it was new a couple of weeks ago.

Bob

 

[JPS]

Power steering fluid

Is Atf 4 a synthetic? jps