2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Power steering squealing

[stownsend]

The other day the temperature outside was a little below freezing. After I started my truck and started driving, the power steering was squealing like a stuck pig. (I’ve never actually heard a stuck pig, but I can imagine. )



What’s up with this? Is there anything I can do, short of building a new garage to keep it warm at night?



Steve

 

[lschultz]

Have you checked the level of the power steering fluid?

 

[stownsend]

Yep. The fluid level is good. It just hates the cold.



Have other people in cold climates experienced the same thing? If not, I may be making a trip to the shop for an in-warranty inspection.



Steve

 

[Thomas]

I assume the noise disappears as things warm up.

Valvolene Synthetic works for me. Yesterday; 19 degrees at light off and no squeal.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Valvoline SynPower synthetic power steering fluid has reportedly been good for reducing this. Mine has made some unpleasant sounds when cold in the past, but not what I would call a squeal. I replaced my fluid this summer with the Valvoline. I think it is smoother and quieter, but we haven't had any real cold weather here yet. From the condition of the fluid, I think power steering fluid changes should be a regular maintenance item.



Shelby

 

[illflem]

No squeal with Valvoline Synthetic even at -30. Switch over is easy since the Valvoline is compatible with the OEM fluid. Just use a turkey baster (easy day to find one!) to remove as much old fluid as possible and add the Valvoline. Squeal should go away with the first change and each subsequent change will narrow the ratio of synthetic to OEM till you get near 100%.

 

[C. Harlan]

mine does this, and when I opened the cap the other day, it turned to foam, and almost blew the little cap off there! It has never done this before, and now does. I use LUCAS Power steering fluid and it is really thick. This may be part of the problem. It does it here when it is 50 or lower! It eventually goes away, but jeez, it kind of sounds umbarrassing hearing it sound the way it does!



-Chris-



LSHULTZ- We are usually out in Flatonia taking cows to the sale... Also, my mom works in LaGrange, too... Would like to see your truck sometime! PM me.

 

[stownsend]

Thanks for all of your responses.



Yes, the power steering does become more content as it warms up and the sound goes away.



I need to change the fluid to Valvoline Synpower. It sounds like a lot of you have had success with this.



Steve

 

[NETim]

Ditto on routine maintenance

I changed out the ps fluid yesterday. The old stuff looked pretty bad. I used a suction gun to pull out the old stuff.



I used the Valvoline synthetic blend as replacement fluid. About $5 a quart at AutoZone. I think I needed about 14 oz to refill the pump.



My pump didn't squeal before or after, but judging by the condition of the old fluid it ain't a bad idea to put in some fresh fluid once in awhile. I plan to do it yearly.



Tim

 

[MidwestMotorman]

The poor steering when cold is a known problem. The noise is usually the pump chatter as the stiff fluid is flowing through it. It will also chatter if you hit the brakes. Changing the fluid is highly recommended. It will also improve your braking ability when cold.



If you find your p/s fluid leaking out, seeping out, or bubbling over after the truck sits for a few days, your hydroboost pressurized canister is probably leaking into the system. This is another known problem. Try braking the truck after you turn off the truck while moving slowly. You should have three easy pumps of the brake pedal left. If not, your canister is not charged and could be replaced.

 

[JohnE]

<em>A wounded pig can squeal pretty loud. Been there done that. </em>



I have great luck quieting noisy power steering systems with a drain down and refill with new fluid including a bottle of sealer/conditioner. I'm not sure exactly what is synthetic in the Valvoline ps fluid, but it does have sealer/conditioner. I have been meaning to do the fluid change, but no squeal to press the point.

 

[LandShark]

Ditto on the Valvoline synthetic power steering fluid. My pump was also making noise, so I switched to the synthetic and it's been fine ever since (two years ago).



I used a baster to get out what I could (1/3 quart), top it off , run engine a minute while moving steering wheel, then repeat 2 more times. This uses one quart and the fluid looked nice and clean when done.

 

[C. Harlan]

Ok, well, I think I have a leak... how hard is it to change out the PS pump?? mine likes to splash it all over the frame down to about the transmission... I have tried about every stop leak I can find, and I am about at my wits end... . Any suggestions???





-Chris-