Thinking PS pump is going south...

[dvdswan]

So recently, the last 2 or 3 mornings I'm getting a power steering whine usually at stop or very slow speeds but not all the time. I checked the fluid and its right on the cold line like it should be before warming the truck up. I'm guessing the pump is just plain tuckered out after 40 years. I don't feel any thing in the steering wheel when turning back and forth unless it whines then it obviously gets harder to turn. I'm not ready to replace the steering gear as of yet but will when I rebuild the truck and get a 2WD gear for crossover steering.

Thoughts...

 

[bigcountry78]

It sounds like it’s worn out to me. Mine has started to do the same thing sometimes. Wonder if something could be binding in the steering system causing it to strain? Dry tie rod end maybe? Just throwing out ideas.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

You could also try to flush it with the newer power steering fluid, the amber colored stuff that they sell everywhere. The old stuff is very viscous, and it might buy you time before the pump goes or even solve the issue for a while.

 

[dvdswan]

Honestly, didn't think about flushing the system. That's a good idea. I'm going to try that first. I'll also look at the TREs and linkage.

Thank you for the thoughts.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

The aftermarket pump and steering sector manufacturers also recommend inline filters if you wanted to try that while you’re working on it. I haven’t done it myself but others have.

 

[shiftpro]

Honestly, didn't think about flushing the system. That's a good idea. I'm going to try that first. I'll also look at the TREs and linkage.

Thank you for the thoughts.

You don't want to get air in the system, so I suggest you use a vacuum type of pump like the one that looks like a grease gun, and suck out the oil from the tank... replace with new and after a few days driving do it again, and then again to 'change' the oil.

The alternative way is to pull the low pressure return line off the steering box, route it into a waste can, and while the engine is running watch the oil level in the tank and continue to keep it topped off with fresh oil... but if you get behind an d pump sucks air, you will end up having a really ****** day.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

You don't want to get air in the system, so I suggest you use a vacuum type of pump like the one that looks like a grease gun, and suck out the oil from the tank... replace with new and after a few days driving do it again, and then again to 'change' the oil.

The alternative way is to pull the low pressure return line off the steering box, route it into a waste can, and while the engine is running watch the oil level in the tank and continue to keep it topped off with fresh oil... but if you get behind an d pump sucks air, you will end up having a really ****** day.

The latter is what I had in mind for this. But you’re absolutely right. A good funnel will come in handy here so the fluid doesn’t blow away. Of course then you’ll have to guess at how much to add. Better in this one case to be liberal.

 

[idahovette]

Lubegard makes an additive for PS systems that helps with noise and circulation. I'm not a big additive fan ,but this stuff seems to work! It has shut up a couple of fored PS pumps and we all know how hard that is!

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Lubegard makes an additive for PS systems that helps with noise and circulation. I'm not a big additive fan ,but this stuff seems to work! It has shut up a couple of fored PS pumps and we all know how hard that is!

They make another additive that I find works, Mr. Tranny Shudder Fixx. It’s for people with failing torque converters.

 

[jake wells]

lubegard makes power steering and sells it by the quart it is a little pricey but it is great stuff. A inline power steering filter on the return helps keep crap out of the pump assembly.

 

[Big Al]

I have a 1975 C30 and replaced the hydroboost PS pump and all the hoses and most all of the fluid. It was still screaming when warm. I read about old guys adding a tad bit of ATF to calm down the foaming and the cavitation. It seemed to work pretty good in the 1975. Have the same issue in a 2004 GMC 2500 HD and tried the same thing with no avail.

 

[bucket]

I have a 1975 C30 and replaced the hydroboost PS pump and all the hoses and most all of the fluid. It was still screaming when warm. I read about old guys adding a tad bit of ATF to calm down the foaming and the cavitation. It seemed to work pretty good in the 1975. Have the same issue in a 2004 GMC 2500 HD and tried the same thing with no avail.

GM commonly filled the PS system with ATF to begin with.

 

[idahovette]

Lubegard makes a very good Power Steering additive that sometimes helps the noise problem.