Whiny Power Steering (1 Viewer)

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Added this morning. Amazing how quiet it is now. Even quieter when I drove it at lunch.
 
My PS sounds like a supercharger when it's cold. It's getting into the lower 40's at night here, not as cold as you guys up north and out west, but cold for Atlanta. I am running Dexron PS fluid and recently flushed the whole system. After a few miles the whining and groaning goes away.
 
i am running Lucas oil stop leak. Since i have gone to this, i have had nary a whine.
 
Do you have to lift the front of the LC and put it on stands to flush the system? Or is there another way to flush the old fluid out of the pump and lines?

I want to do get this done over the weekend but it kind of sounds like a pain?
 
mcgaskins said:
Just to be clear..this is the Downy fabric softener right? I've never heard of this trick myself.

Yes it is. What flavor, that I don't know ;)
 
Are there any concerns that this will muck or clog up any of the components? Even when running in freezing temps? (Talking at or below 0 deg F).

Bought this today, but not yet poured in.

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phsycle said:
Are there any concerns that this will muck or clog up any of the components? Even when running in freezing temps? (Talking at or below 0 deg F).

Bought this today, but not yet poured in.

You are NOT replacing the fluid, just adding a table spoon.
 
You are NOT replacing the fluid, just adding a table spoon.

Right, got that part. Just wanted to make sure a product used for making my undies feel and smell fresh isn't going to gunk up any mechanicals.
 
Just a thought, if silicone is the reason for putting downy in your rig why not just put a spoon full of silicone in or spray a little from a bottle in the reservoir?
 
Just a thought, if silicone is the reason for putting downy in your rig why not just put a spoon full of silicone in or spray a little from a bottle in the reservoir?

Toyota had a reason I'm sure. It could be several reasons, cost and availability comes to mind.


I used Trans-X in mine as my O-Ring was seeping, it is no longer.


I also bought a '77 F-250 Ranger 4x4 with under 50k several years ago that wouldn't get out of its way due to the tranny slipping in final drive.


I replaced the filter, added a pint of Trans-X and replaced the fluid. As per the label it proved results in 5 miles. Within 15 miles it would power brake and shifted as it should. It was a $30 repair that any shop would would tell you to replace the tranny and torque converter.
 
You mean a Cruiserdan TSB.

;)

:)

The Shaman striketh again.

This was at my Toyota store, and I swear I seen it in print...
 
So most of my engine noises have been remedied over the past year and it's a huge relief to have a quiet engine on cold morning.

Now, on to the next problem......

On cold mornings, ten degrees or less, the power steering pump honks like a goose. Depending on how cold it will honk for anywhere from 1-10 seconds and then go silent. Not to be confused with a whiney pump / hydraulic fluid just doing it's thing. It's a loud goose honk=] I do have the same noise happen on my highlander and my shops old tahoe. I'd like to just say this is normal and move on, it has been really cold.

Power steering pump and steering rack are all relatively new, OEM parts. Fluid has been flushed several times. I haven't been able to get a look at my screen but I will foolishly assume it's OK.

Something to worry about or just move on and wait for warmer weather?
 
So most of my engine noises have been remedied over the past year and it's a huge relief to have a quiet engine on cold morning.

Now, on to the next problem......

On cold mornings, ten degrees or less, the power steering pump honks like a goose. Depending on how cold it will honk for anywhere from 1-10 seconds and then go silent. Not to be confused with a whiney pump / hydraulic fluid just doing it's thing. It's a loud goose honk=] I do have the same noise happen on my highlander and my shops old tahoe. I'd like to just say this is normal and move on, it has been really cold.

Power steering pump and steering rack are all relatively new, OEM parts. Fluid has been flushed several times. I haven't been able to get a look at my screen but I will foolishly assume it's OK.

Something to worry about or just move on and wait for warmer weather?
if moisture got in the system there's a chance of freezing liquid in the lines or pump at a low enough temperature.
 
if moisture got in the system there's a chance of freezing liquid in the lines or pump at a low enough temperature.
Interesting, thanks. Fluid was flushed recently when we replaced the rack and the problem wasn't fixed. I'll need to check my cap to make sure it's sealed up proper maybe you're on to something.
 
@Mike NXP Did you find anything more on your pump whining in the cold? Mine has done this for a couple of years and I would like to get if fixed. That noise is just awful.
 
@Mike NXP Did you find anything more on your pump whining in the cold? Mine has done this for a couple of years and I would like to get if fixed. That noise is just awful.
Negative. I will say that I also have a GX470 and a highlander and when temps get really cold the PS pump makes noises on startup only for a few seconds max

I forget what my original post complaint was but the noise is like a goose honking upon startup .

Fluid is flushed and clean in all those vehicles but the pumps are original i think ....so I dont know , maybe air in system . Maybe normal-ish
 
If the screen in the reservoir is clogged up it can cause noise which I'd imagine would be worst at cold startup.

Worthwhile to make sure the screens are clean. Some folks add inline filters on the reservoir return line but that's probably overkill. I just suck out the fluid in the reservoir each oil change and add new and it seems to keep the fluid pretty clean/red.
 
Admittedly I have never cleaned the screen. I will put this on my list during my next oil change, or if something else comes up that causes down time.
 

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