97 80 series steering groaning

[fj40crusher]

Making strange noises sometimes. Sounds like the 60 did when it would run low on power steering fluid. It makes that winding/groaning sound when you turn the wheel.

Nothings leaking (like the 60 was), fluid is full and clean, belts are tight, no visible cause.

Not sure what else could cause this. Any ideas of what to check?

 

[e9999]

my groanings (well, the truck's at least) disappeared after I flushed and replaced the fluid...

 

[KliersLC]

Seems like I read something about fabric softner helping out, try searching for downy, or fabric softener posts by cruiserdan.

 

[Bryan062087]

I put a tbl spoon full of downey fabric softener in mine, it hasnt whined for a month and apparently has stopped the leak somehow, i havent needed to add fluid since i put it in a month ago. before that i was having to add fluid every week or so..

 

[psfpilot]

My GM pickup's power steering was flushed using the method in this thread. (see post #21) The p/s fluid appeared reasonably clean on the dipstick, but once it was in the bucket, it was obviously dirty, with a few visible particles of dirt thrown in for good measure.
The left-turn squealing sound quit; now it has a quite faint sound in either direction, not even loud enough to label as a groan. I think it may be a normal level of sound heard by paranoid ears.

The only error I made was using an out-of-date product for step six on post 21, but I persevered despite myself. I hope your fix is this simple.

 

[Rusty Phillips]

are you SURE its "full"?

 

[NorCalDoug]

Mine's groaned for a long time. Had the PS pump replaced under warranty...the darned thing still groans. Not as much as before though.

Check the fluid level...or, as CDan suggests, add a tablespoon of Downey Fabric Softener to the rez.

 

[OZCAL]

Yep try the Downey.

By the way Doug mine still groans, though not as bad, after a core exchange/rebuild.

 

[MikeB]

The first thing to try is to flush the old fluid and fill with Dexron ATF--not something labeled "power steering fluid". Dexron is cheap, it is what Toyota specifies, and my experience in several Toyotas is that it solves noises brought on by using "power steering fluid". If it still makes noise with a fresh fill of Dexron then your pump almost certainly need a rebuild but you have nothing to lose by trying some Downey.

Mike