Power Steering Pump is Cold Natured - wrong fluid?

[dshock]

Well,

Tonight is the first cold night that I have driven my truck (<30F). And, when the truck is cold the power steering pump makes all kinds of chatter. Under load it is even noisier and not very powerful. As it heats up, it is fine.

I know that it calls for ATF. I am wondering if it has been re-filled with the wrong fluid, or if there is something bigger wrong with the pump.

Thoughts? Similar experiences?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[NocalFJ60]

I think this is a common problem with older pumps. I didn't have the problem with a new pump. Check the fluid and see if it is red and clean. Change it out if it looks dirty and black and the ATF might help when cold. Some of the oil change places just fill it up with the black fluid and don't read. Check the fluid level when it is cold. There is a hot & cold mark on the fill stick. Also check the belt and make sure it is tight.

A good upgrade that people here are talking about recently is using a saginaw pump instead of the toyota pump. You can buy a new mount from MAF which bolts up to the saginaw.

 

[ntsqd]

A downside to the Saginaw pump is that it is designed to use PS fluid. IME seals designed for PS fluid will leak earlier when using ATF than otherwise. Others have had no issues, but I have not so a note of caution.

 

[bigDcruiser]

i've noticed the same issue latley. i started using the lucas product w/ has a much higher viscosity and seems to have slowed my lead significantly but does seem to take 10-15 mins to warm. overall i'd say the slow start is easier to deal with than the leak that i had previously.

 

[Wile E Coyote]

Do a flush and refill followed by a good bleed. Consider synthetic atf, as it has better cold flow characteristics, so I understand. I've also read here on Mud to add a bit of liquid laundry detergent (high silicone content) but I've never done it, so act accordingly. The silicone sounds plausible, but seems like there are better places to get the silicone with less contaminants.

 

[John Galt]

I use and recommend Amsoil full synthetic ATF for the PS system. It makes a bit of noise at -25 and colder, but quickly quiets down.

 

[cruiserjunktion]

i've noticed the same issue latley. i started using the lucas product w/ has a much higher viscosity and seems to have slowed my lead significantly but does seem to take 10-15 mins to warm. overall i'd say the slow start is easier to deal with than the leak that i had previously.

2x Lucas products


Synthetic atf leaked like crazy from my ps.

 

[alaska60]

Go with the GM pump. it was a great swap that i will recommend to anyone!!! MAF has the bracket you'll need and checker or auto zone will have the pump! always in stock too.