Power Steering Stiff and Noise

ksdst1 · Post by **ksdst1** » 09 Feb 2013, 10:49

Hi All!
It has been pretty cold here recently and I hadn't started my car in about four days. When I did, she started up no problems, but when I went to pull out of my city block parking spot using a hard turn there was a straining noise and the steering was a bit less responsive/stiff. When driving any time I initiated steering and especially hard steering the noise occurs and the steering is stiff. I'm thinking it is the power steering pump but I don't know how to trouble shoot that. I checked the level of the fluid and it seems not out of the acceptable level but not at the very top.

I did bypass the a/c compressor in Sept by installing the shorter aux belt recommended here on the forum and had no problems so I'm not sure that this plays into my current issue. Any info on how to trouble shoot the power steering or to understand possible common issues that would diminish it's responsiveness and cause the pump straining noise (possibly b/c of could weather) would be much appreciated!
Tnx....

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 09 Feb 2013, 12:25

How cold has it been and has the fluid ever been changed? It could have a frozen line.

...Lee

ksdst1 · Post by **ksdst1** » 09 Feb 2013, 14:36

Tnx Lee....it was below 0degrees F at night during the days I didn't run it.....in the 20's the day I noticed the problem....I have never replace the fluid and don't know if the original owner did but i'd guess not.

nitehawk55 · Post by **nitehawk55** » 09 Feb 2013, 18:25

Often just pumping the fluid from the PS pump and replacing it several times over time will replace most of the fluid . I have used Amsoil for this on all my vehicals and it really works well . Any other approved fluid would do the same but synthetic will hold it's own better in cold and heat .
I use a hand pump from a large bottle of degreaser type hand cleaner I had .
Pump the fluid out , refill , run the car for a few days and redo this 5-6 times and then a couple times a year just to maintain .

Post by **JRL** » 09 Feb 2013, 21:41

Lower steering column bushing is rusted.
Not only does it make noise, it can bind the steering.
Not too expensive, replace it

Post by **jblackburn** » 10 Feb 2013, 07:28

I agree with the procedure above - suck out the fluid and refill, but do it 3-4 times in the same day. Refill, start the car, run the steering lock-to-lock a couple times, and then repeat.

Post by **xHeart** » 10 Feb 2013, 07:43

Same symptom each morning, while reversing out from the driveway. Hard steering and the first big noise, then minor creaking like going up or down on wooden stairs for few minutes as i steer out to the main street.

To-do list now has 15 or more items, not enough daylight to catch-up.

Could it be a specific PS fluid, like for ATF it is MOBIL 3309?
Would it be better if the front is raised on jack-stand for the "lock-to-lock and repeat" procedure... one MVS post suggests using ramps?

Many thanks.

alexk243 · Post by **alexk243** » 10 Feb 2013, 12:40

JRL wrote:Lower steering column bushing is rusted.
Not only does it make noise, it can bind the steering.
Not too expensive, replace it

Anyone have any write ups on how to do this procedure?

Post by **JRL** » 10 Feb 2013, 13:14

Just lift the carpet at the base of the column, you will see the large bushing/bearing
It's about 7" round rubber piece with a splined bushing in the middle.
Almost every single one of these now is starting to make noise, I think I've replaced about 20 of them

alexk243 · Post by **alexk243** » 10 Feb 2013, 23:46

Where do you get a new one?