squeeling power steering

[fj40crusher]

Now before I actually put downy in my power steering pump, I need some reassurance! This seems absolutely crazy to me. I mentioned it to the wife to pick some up at the store. After I mentioned why, she just gave me the "look". You know that "What the fawk did those finatics on line tell you to do now" look.

I just want it to stop squeeling, she thinks it's going to blow up or something.

 

[IBCRUSN]

What is the true reason for the squealing? If there is something mechanically wrong fabric softner won't do much good but pollute the existing fluid.

 

[Rich]

Lookup the msds for downy, see what's in it, and then decide if you want to put it in your power steering system.

 

[IdahoDoug]

If the fluid is full, and you haven't run it w/ low fluid to physically damage it, then try the Downey. It worked all summer on my bro in law's 310,000 mile '93 so we could plan the replacement for this fall. Quieted it right down after a couple applications. I'm not the 'natural remedy-snakeoil' type at all, but it works.

DougM

 

[Scamper]

Or just go ahead and rebuild it--it's actually pretty easy. I just did it on my truck and it took all of about 3 hrs from start to finish. Dan can get you the rebuild kit. And it costs a whole lot less than a new or reman. I figured if I buggered it up, I could just get a new one; the cost differential made it an easy decision.

 

[GXO]

x2 for rebuild. Also, make sure it isn't the pulley problem being masked by PS sounds

 

[fj40crusher]

x2 for rebuild. Also, make sure it isn't the pulley problem being masked by PS sounds

Which pulley problem? It doesn't do this all the time, usually when your turning hard (like when parking) in one direction moving slowly.

 

[GXO]

the idler pulley issue...it starts to fail and can show up as a squeal under load...some confuse it as power steering but these rigs have mechanically driven pumps so belts don't play in...just making sure all bases are covered.

 

[Rusty Phillips]

IMO it is waaaaay too soon to think about rebuilding the pump

have you checked your fluid level recently?
you have never put "power steering" fluid in there - only "ATF " - right?
how long has it been since the ATF fluid in the PS reservoir has been changed?

here's what I would do

either check the fluid level, add more ATF to bring up to level see if sqeal stops

or go ahead and change the old fluid out for new ATF.....



if it still squeals with new ATF fluid, then put a cup of downey in

if that doesnt work - THEN think about rebuilding PS pump

 

[NorCalDoug]

CDan suggested I try it...it worked...for a while, then I got Lexus to replace mine under warranty.



the new one whines a bit under stress...but not as much as the old one.