2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering growl

[OTRPU]

I searched and found I should try replacing my power steering fluid with ATF +4. Will try this first, but this thing is REALLY growling, more when I step on the brake than when I turn the wheel. If the fluid change doesn't stop it, where's the best price on a replacement pump? Are rebuilt pumps available? If so are they advisable? I need this thing runnin all day everyday.



Cheers,

Steve J

 

[justinp20012500]

I have heard from the Diesel Tech at my dad works that you should never under any circumstances run ATF in your PS resivoir. Your brakes run off the hydralic pressure that is made from the PS. I was told to only use the "All Climate PS Fluid" from MOPAR...

That is the stuff that I have only used and I have never had a problem.

I did have a friend that used Allison Trans Send and he complained about a squishy brake pedal after the change and never made the connection.

 

[OTRPU]

Well, guess I need to research further, I certainly don't want to end up with spongy brakes trying to solve my steering pump howl. Thank you for your information I'll pursue my problem with this in mind. Still need to know what is the most economical way to replace the steering pump should I need to.



Cheers,

Steve J

 

[NIsaacs]

Once your pump starts to growl or howl it's telling you to replace me!! There is no "miracle" oil or fluid that will fix it. If you let it go too long, it will just contaminate the system that much more. Be sure you flush out the total system when changing out the pump, or the new one will fail. As far as new or rebuilt, I can't help there, I have not changed out my Dodges. I have replaced several on my Fords and usually go with NAPA recon's. Since you use your truck for a living, you might want to go new, the recon Fords don't seem to last very long.



"NICK"

 

[Black-Smoker]

Give PSC a call they have really nice stuff.

 

[**ICEMAN**]

my 01 had the growl from day one(new). i replaced the fluid with synthetic power steering fluid and it hasn't growled for 4 years.

i just used a turkey baster to remove OEM fluid.

i don't think you want atf in there,,,maybe back in the ole days

 

[OTRPU]

Now I'm more confused than ever, some say use ATF +4, some say don't, another says it's gonna die. I had to leave Denver to beat the snow, decided to shelf the steering pump issue. Let the truck warm up while loading up for road trip, noticed some reason now tlhe growl is gone for the moment. But during the 450 miles from Lakewood to Salina the Trans Temp dash light came on and off several times. I have Auto-Meter Sport Comp guages, the transmission temp guage was only indicating 110*F. Where does the dash Trans Temp pickup it's reading? I was running in the snow, have a second transmission cooler as well as the stock one. I pulled over and felt the coolers, they both were warm. All other radiators felt cool. It was about 20*F outside, snowing and driving in OD, locked in cruise at 55 MPH. I dropped it out of OD and slowed to 45 then 40. The dash Trans Temp light went out. After I got to Salina Flying J started the truck to use inverter, Trans Temp light again comes on. While Idling in neutral the Auto-Meter transmission guage settles between 165 & 180*F. What the hey is going on? Any ideas? I'm afraid to hook a trailer until I find out what's going on. I checked the fluid level when I stopped enroute, level is correct and looks and smells like it's in good condition.



Cheers,

Steve J

 

[ACoyle]

Moving to Second Gen - Possibly better exposure over there.



AC

 

[GAmes]

Steve,



I've used and flushed the system with regular power steering fluid, 276k and rolling. I'd personnally stay away from ATF, of any kind. I looked for synthetic once and couldn't find it. If you need a pump I recommend mopar4less if you want to go new. At least give them a call. Be sure to ask for online parts.



I can't help you with the transmission thing other than saying it sounds like the trans temp sensor is bad. Without a trailer and in super cold weather you don't need a cooler so I would think your trans temp would be near engine water temp while idling since the trans fluid is routed thru the radiator. While driving the air is circulating around the aux cooler so it will be colder.



I'm hooking up in Ft. Worth tomorrow, going to Jerome, Id. , via Amarillo and Albuquerque to avoid the weather in CO and WY. Hope you figure this one out.



Gary

 

[OTRPU]

Hi all, had the transmission serviced by Dave's Diesel, Angola, IN. Fluid not in the best of shape, and clutch material in the pan. Rick thinks it could be residual from when I lost OD. New Fluid and Filter and I'm back on the road. They filled the power steering pump res, said it's leaking and it is probably on it's last leg. I'll call Mopar4less and start saving up. Myabe wifey wants a new pump for Christmas.



Cheers,

Steve J

 

[Forrest Nearing]

Steve,



with the kind of miles you log, you should have the best fluids in everything... I run Royal Purple in my power steering system, and I have a large fluid cooler mounted in one of the big holes in the bumper.



if you're replacing the pump, be sure to buy from a reputable source. and use a high quality synthetic fluid, and like I said, I'd put a cooler in the system too.



Forrest