Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Strange noise when turning... like a "hum."

[sparks57]

At low speeds, at half to full lock, I feel a funny vibration in the wheel, and a funny humming noise... mostly when turning under light throttle. It doesn't always do it, and it doesn't always do it in the same conditions.



I'm running stock wheels/tires, so it's not rubbing.



Any ideas?

 

[jkalchik]

Check your power steering pump reservoir!

 

[sparks57]

DUH! :-laf



I never even thought... I just bought the truck 3 weeks ago from a dealership, so something simple like that never crossed my mind... thought they would take care of something like that...



I know, I know... STUPID!



Thanks, I'll run out and check.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

More likely it's the clutches in the limited-slip differential - mine often does the same thing... No big deal,

 

[sparks57]

I went out and checked the fluid. It's at "full" level for cold, and the engine has been sitting for a few hours. I drove it to the store and back (had to get some stuff for dinner) and it went up halfway to the full line on hot... it's only 5 blocks to the store.



The sound comes from the steering wheel area, but I do know that sound travels. So you think it's the clutches in the front axle?

 

[jkalchik]

Unless you've got an aftermarket front differential, you've got an open diff, no clutches.

 

[mudbugs]

I have the same problem, 2001 4x4, its loud when you are standing beside the truck, or so I am told. But only happens a slow speeds, and I hear it from the steering wheel. Should wouldlike to know the real cause.

 

[sparks57]

Unless you've got an aftermarket front differential, you've got an open diff, no clutches.

Yeah, I didn't think there was an LSD up front. So what's the deal here?