Groaning power steering

[Sven]

My power steering groans at full lock. I've checked for leaks and that the fluid rez is full. Seems to work ok, but the groaning ain't natural. Anyone got any ideas what causes that?

-Steve

[Zeke]

It sounds normal, if you let go of the steering wheel does it stop? The pump and steering gearbox are still trying to move the wheels if you hold it at full lock and pump , if it only does it in one direction you need to adjust the tierods to center your steering any alignment shop should be able to do that.

[68gmsee]

Lots of p.s. pumps do that when in full lock. At my age, I've driven countless of cars and trucks of this vintage and they all seem to have some noise when you go to full lock.

The important thing is that you should rarely have to turn to full lock and when you do, don't keep it there. It can ruin the pump.

Now, that being said, I'd check the fluid or drain and replace it if it's louder than normal or a noise that you hadn't noticed before. It is possible that the pump is getting old and you may have to replace it.

[Shyguy]

I always thougtht that was a relief valve, but since I don't know a lot about power steering pumps I am probably wrong.

A lot of my older vehicles make a noise when turned all the way.

[Sven]

Ok. I'll grab some ATF and drain and replace the fluid. I don't remember the last time it was replaced anyway so now is a good time. I was expecting worse news about the PS pump, but this doesn't seem too bad. I'll replace the pump when it blows up or quits working as, for now, the steering is pretty good.

-Steve

[raycow]

That noise is the pump pressure relief valve opening at the end of travel. It's perfectly normal - nothing to worry about.

Ray