Power steering pump?

[Coopsdaddy]

I have a 2000 with 185000 miles,clean and no leak or issues other than needing new inner tie rods,so i bought new oem inner and outers and installed them without any issues.I painted and counted threads and got new ones installed very close.It has sit in garage parked for a week while i waited on parts.
I went ahead and did plugs and wires.
Got it together tonight and noticed a different sound,and when i went to back out the steering was squealing and tight,checked fluid and jacked up and cycled steering and did the same,just not as bad.Drove it and while it feels nice and tight because of the tie rods the steering is very stiff and noisy.
Could the pump just go bad ?
Something else?
Thanks

 

[jgue467]

Cold weather have anything to do with it?

A few years back, during first starts on the coldest of days (maybe 30 here), the first minute, the pump would make a noise. Did a turkey baster suck/fill a couple times, solved that pesky issue. So maybe time for new fluid, it makes a big difference on power steering since most never swap it out. Luck.

 

[Twisted Sid]

Look up how to clean the power steering reservoir screen on here and on YouTube.
That helped my steering feel a bunch. Its also a good time to do a fluid flush while your at it.

 

[phattyduck]

Squeal? Replace (or tighten) the belt. If the belt is glazed/old, it won't grip well enough to work even when tight.

-Charlie

 

[brillo_76]

+1 for new belt and +1 for cleaning the screen reservoir screen.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Flushed with new valvaline syn dex fluid,took off tank and cleaned screen,i think that was it.
I will never neglect the power steering fluid again!

 

[Devbot]

+1 for a belt and cleaning and weather. Could even have air trapped in the system
I've also noticed when the fluids cold the steering rack doesn't like working when you're nearly stopped and trying to crank the wheel - especially at/near full lock. Makes a much shittier sound than the PS pump. Once the fluids up to temp after a bit of driving it's not nearly as sensitive. Obviously with winter here this has only been exacerbated since the fluid is extra cold after sitting all night. Like I said, this is just what I noticed so take it with a grain of salt if you have too. I could be describing a smoked rack for all I know :flame:

Oh, power steering problems. Reminds me of my Dakota; went through 8 pumps in that truck. Good memories :jump: