Power steering noise

[Quatre Coureur]

My power steering is making a 'groaning' sort of noise. Just noticed it today while making a U-turn. Checked the fluid when I got home and the level was correct. Turned it back n forth and its definitely making some funky noise. I didn't have someone to crank it while I listened. Anyone encounter this? :lookout:

 

[KidVermicious]

It'll moan when the fluid pressure is low. I've seen it caused by low fluid, I've seen it caused by air in the lines, I've never seen the pump itself go bad but I know they can.

Flush and fill with clean ATF and see what happens.

 

[Quatre Coureur]

Thanks. I'll try that this wknd. I can't remember the last time it was flushed(probably never!).

 

[fourwd1]

Easy way to do it is to drain the reservoir with a turkey baster, fill it, then burp it by working the steering wheel lock-to-lock until there's no more noise.
Repeat a few times to work out all the old fluid.

 

[77'911]

I don't know what condition your front end is in, but you might consider flushing out your system and putting M1 syn ATF. This seemed to really smooth and quiet things out on our 1990 4runner. I try and regularly change out the fluid to keep things in check.
regards

 

[Quatre Coureur]

Thank u gentlemen for ur excellent suggestions. I like the idea of emptying out the reservoir. My FSM calls for disconnecting the return line, running the engine till it runs out.

 

[hrt4me]

Thank u gentlemen for ur excellent suggestions. I like the idea of emptying out the reservoir. My FSM calls for disconnecting the return line, running the engine till it runs out.

did that remedy your issue?

 

[Quatre Coureur]

did that remedy your issue?

Yes it did. I disconnected the return line and directed it into an empty water bottle. Fired up the engine and started filling the reservoir with fresh fluid till I saw clean PS fluid enter the bottle. Make sure to use a big enough bottle to catch all the dirty fluid. At that point, turn off ur engine and reconnect ur PS line. Fill the reservoir, start the engine, and add fluid as needed. It will eventually level off. Do not overfill. Good luck. :cheers: