Groaning power steering - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Sven · 08-28-2010, 01:34 AM

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 · 08-28-2010, 06:27 AM

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 · 08-28-2010, 09:56 AM

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 · 08-28-2010, 01:01 PM

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 · 08-28-2010, 01:20 PM

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 · 08-28-2010, 03:15 PM

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

Ray

08-28-2010, 01:34 AM	#1
Sven Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Laveen, AZ Posts: 69	Groaning power steering 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 __________________ 1969 Chevrolet 4x4 C10 Pickup

08-28-2010, 06:27 AM	#2
Zeke Active Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: L.A. Lower Alabama Posts: 453	Re: Groaning power steering 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. __________________ 1969 C10 350 3spd 1995 GMC 3500 XC 350 dually When Thomas Edison worked late into the night on the electric light, he had to do it by gas lamp or candle. I'm sure it made the work seem that much more urgent. George Carlin

08-28-2010, 09:56 AM	#3
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Groaning power steering 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.

08-28-2010, 01:01 PM	#4
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: Groaning power steering 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. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

08-28-2010, 01:20 PM	#5
Sven Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Laveen, AZ Posts: 69	Re: Groaning power steering 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 __________________ 1969 Chevrolet 4x4 C10 Pickup

08-28-2010, 03:15 PM	#6
raycow Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA USA Posts: 2,454	Re: Groaning power steering That noise is the pump pressure relief valve opening at the end of travel. It's perfectly normal - nothing to worry about. Ray



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