Power steering noise

[dante2]

When I bought the truck it was not running so i have no idea if this is new or not. It's making a rather loud whining sound when turning and it quiets down when driving but never really goes away. After replacing the alternator is it possible I have the belt to tight or is it pump replacement time? How tight do you run your belt on your trucks? Thank for your help.

[ParadiseMJ]

PDT - Pretty Dang Tight  on a Krikit II tension gauge...right at 165...and an extra turn for luck.  No gauge, it should be tight enough so that it's difficult to twist the belt 90 degrees with your finger and thumb.  Bounce a quarter off it etc.

 

but...have you checked the P/S fluid level?  Is it low, bubbly, foamy, etc.   Is the pump leaking?  Are any of the lines leaking?

 

My truck had tranny fluid in the P/S pump...that is, tranny fluid and water (about 1/2 and 1/2).  Looked like a strawberry milkshake.  I flushed the whole system with fresh P/S fluid.  I drove it for a coupla months like that, then replaced the pump.

 

Start the truck and open the steering pump...see what you see.  It should not be dark, milky or foamy.  Replacing the pump is not a hard job, or expensive.  Just make sure you get a pulley puller, mark/measure where the pulley sits in the shaft for when you you press it back on.  FWIW...use fresh P/S fluid to refill.

[Jtrux]

I find it best to have the front end offf the ground when bleeding the PS pump.

 

Once on jack stands, make sure there is a good level in the pump (assuming it is good, clean fluid. Replace if not.) Aand cycle the steering wheel lock to lock a few times and then start the truck. Once running, do the same, however, at each lock, hold it firmly for a few seconds in each locked position. This should get the air out. You can cycle it a few times and repeat until the noise stops. If you are unable to get it to stop, it might be a belt issue OR the pump could simply be messed up.

 

In my experiences, doing the above will typically resolve any issues you might have.

 

I have this puller/installer and really like it. Works well.

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-39000-Pulley-Puller/dp/B000XEX00A

[johnj92131]

I have a persistent, slow power steering leak. When my fluid gets low, I have the noise you are describing.  Top off your power steering fluid, drive the truck around the block, with some left and right turns (to bleed out some air).  My money is on the noise being better or gone in a day or so.  Then check your power steering level again - top it off a second time.

 

Unfortunately for me, the problem has defied several fixes like replacing hoses, a rebuilt pump, etc.

[Jtrux]

John, is your reservoir in good shape? Just curious if you missed a crack in it by chance.

[johnj92131]

Don't know.  Good thought.  I will check next time I need to add fluid.  Suppose I should take the truck to the car wash and spray the engine compartment down. to get a good read on it... One more thing on the list.  Problem is the list keeps growing, longer and longer.

 

Example, I finally installed the back panel and the plastic below the rear window.  Then took Anita for a ride and heard a loud "Pop' a couple of times when I hit the gas.  Her seat moved against the back plastic panel and the panel popped out of place.  I need to pick up a fresh set of Plastic Push Pins to hold the panel in place.  Dealer wants $3 each for them and I need 8 total.  Thursday I have to go to Orange County anyway, there is an Ebay supplier up there I will stop to see if they have the correct fastener.  Should be about $6 for a box of 50 if the have stock.

[Broke]

Don't spray down the engine. Spot clean it or read up on what needs to be protected if you really wanna wash it anyway.

[75sv1]

Caution: I had a harmonic balancer slipping. Sounded like a belt. Did PS pump, alt, idler pulley, AC bracket replaced. Missed the Harmonic balancer. I was going to replace the alternator again. I installed a HI-Amp one and ground on the bracket. Anyways, replacing the alternator, timing chain and the harmonic balancer, the old one was an 1/8-1/4 forward. The thrust bearings were shot and damaged the crank. This is on a '98 XJ.

[johnj92131]

Don't spray down the engine. Spot clean it or read up on what needs to be protected if you really wanna wash it anyway.

 

Learned that lesson the hard way a couple of times in the late 1960's and 70's.  "Dad, how come the car won't start?"  Pull the coil wire, dry out the connections for all the spark plug boots.  "you mean those are supposed to have covers on them?".