Power Steering Noise

[Evilgeologist]

My girlfriend has an 83' 60 and I'm just learning the ins and outs. A couple of weeks ago when the 60 was cold the power steering would make a screaming noise until the 60 warmed up. Now the power steering screams most of time even when warm.
I'm hoping someone can save me a little tinkering time. It's too damn cold to be out there hunting for the problem.

 

[donny paradise]

Change the fluid, put in fresh, you'll be surprised how much difference it'll make

 

[Joe_E]

Is the belt tight?

 

[lovetoski]

Old, loose, or worn belts are a common source of squeel. It's worse when cold because the fluid is thicker, putting more stress on the pump, and therefore more stress on the belt. If the belt is in good shape, but just loose, be carefull not to make it too tight. The bearing on the PS pump doesn't take a lot of sideways force to make it wear out quickly.

If it's not the belt, and it's the pump making a noise, most of us describe PS pump noises as a groan. In that case, new fluid could help (search on doing a fluid flush). Also, a tablespoon of Downey fabric softener quites them down really well. No harm done. No joking. Learned it from CDan, and it works.

 

[Elbert]

Check the fluid level and check to see if the belts are tight. Hopefully its not the P/S pump letting you know its time for a new one.

 

[jvazquez53]

Bet is the belt; either loose and/or worn.

 

[DirtyLittleSecret]

kinda off topic, but does the Downey fabric softener work on other PS pumps? About to replace mine cause its peeving me off.