Power steering moan/whine

[davepl]

Before firing my truck for the first time, still using the original PS pump, I filled the reservoir. Once started it quickly sucked that it and I had no power steering.

I strongarmed it out of the garage and then topped it off. A little foamy in there, but not much.

Now it seems to have enough fluid but its groaning when you turn. Not quite the typical power steering whine, but similar.

Did I hoop the pump when it was low on fluid for a few 3-point turns?

Anything I can do? Magic mechanic in a can, or new pump?

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by davepl

Before firing my truck for the first time, still using the original PS pump, I filled the reservoir. Once started it quickly sucked that it and I had no power steering.

I strongarmed it out of the garage and then topped it off. A little foamy in there, but not much.

Now it seems to have enough fluid but its groaning when you turn. Not quite the typical power steering whine, but similar.

Did I hoop the pump when it was low on fluid for a few 3-point turns?

Anything I can do? Magic mechanic in a can, or new pump?

Air trapped in the steering gear can make it groan. Top off the reservoir, start it and cycle the steering lock to lock several times. If there was trapped air in the steering gear this will get rid of it. Shut it down and recheck the reservoir level. If it fell, top it off again & repeat. If it did not fall, get out your wallet because you will be buying stuff.

[GASoline71]

Without the engine running jack the front of the truck up and cycle the steering wheel lock to lock about 8 to 10 times. Check the fluid level. Fill if need be. Then start the engine and do the same thing... then check fluid again. This should help get any air out of the system and get rid of that groan.

If that don't fix it... then you will need a new pump.

Believe it or not... you can buy just the pump without the reservoir. Then you can install a new pump into your trucks reservoir. Saves you about 20 bucks at the parts store, and you keep your alignement on where the reservoir lines are.

Gary

[leddzepp]

If you end up needing a new pump, you will not have any luck at a parts store. The big block units that had a remote reservoir are difficult to locate (at least they were when I was searching a few years ago). I think CPP now carries them, and maybe the Truck Shop.

[GASoline71]

Good catch mang... I didn't see that he has a 402.

Gary