Steering help if you don't mind

MoJoe · Post by **MoJoe** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 2:10 pm

Ok, I am trying to self diagnose a steering noise. The best way to describe it would be like having your steering wheel locked hard in either direction and there is a strain on the steering (hissing/moaning sound).

It happens now every day in normal driving conditions. When I make a slow turn into a parking spot, or into my driveway, etc under normal steering conditions, it makes the noise through the entire turn, not just at full lock.

Is it the pump, gear box, both? I did a fluid flush and greased all the front components I could, and it still exists. Next step sounds like new parts.

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 3:57 pm

Joey, are you positive of

1. Is it full? Sorry but, we all overlook simple items.
2. Did you use the fluids recommended in your owners manual?

MoJoe · Post by **MoJoe** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 4:13 pm

f9k9 wrote:Joey, are you positive of

1. Is it full? Sorry but, we all overlook simple items.
2. Did you use the fluids recommended in your owners manual?

On the fluid yes, it was right on the full mark before and after flushing it. It all started a few days after I installed the flaming river joint. I had to tap the joint on with a dead blow on the gear box side. Nothing hard, just light taps.

On the fluid, I am using a GM approved fluid accoding to the label

I of course should know better than to always believe what I read, but I think I am safe there.

04crewvt · Post by **04crewvt** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 4:26 pm

Sounds like you may have messed up the gears or at least changed how they are meshing.

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 7:29 pm

I am at a loss, as well. Fell blessed that you know when it started. Keep us posted, please.

MoJoe · Post by **MoJoe** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 7:44 pm

Will do, I am going to take it into a shop and have their "opinion" on it; see what they think. I take their diag and just fix the issues myself.

I feel bad sometimes by doing that, but it saves me 95% of the time from troubleshooting it myself and maybe getting it wrong.

Granted they are not always right, but more time than not.

roadrunner · Post by **roadrunner** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 7:52 pm

Belt???

MoJoe · Post by **MoJoe** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:07 pm

roadrunner wrote:Belt???

Definately not the standard belt noise, but I did not think that could be an option for the problem, I will inspect the belt just incase. Thanks.

Post by **HenryJ** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:21 pm

Try adjusting the scepter shaft and see if that makes a change in the sound/feel. Loosen it to relieve any load on center. If that does make a difference, I think I would start shopping for a steering box. If it does not, then a pump may be in your future? They are known to disintegrate without regard to finances.

MoJoe · Post by **MoJoe** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:29 pm

Will check the belt and try the adjustment tomorrow before I bother taking it in to my shop. Thanks.

green02crew · Post by **green02crew** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:07 pm

Funny, I too have noticed my steering pump making the same noise after the flaming river mod! The sound doesn't really bother me but mine is doing it as well, don't feel alone. I like to pretend its a Ford, they are known for steering sounds just as our rigs are with fuel pump buzzing!

Horsehammerr · Post by **Horsehammerr** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 6:29 am

Boy sounds like the FLAMINGRIVER mod is the way to go!! Any other YES votes on this one ?

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 11:07 am

The sound you describe usually indicates a pump starting to go bad.

You would have to beat the gear box shaft pretty hard to do any damage, but it is possible.

Steve

Post by **HenryJ** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 11:42 am

Maybe you are hearing it more now since there is no isolator in the shaft and the sound is being transferred?

green02crew · Post by **green02crew** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 2:23 pm

That was my thought as well HJ, I just like to think that it is more efficient! The sound is not different whether the window is open or closed on my rig, just inside the cab. I noticed the sound RIGHT after doing the mod, so I don't think its a real issue with the gear box and going bad. I still stick by my previous statement that this mod is best combined with the ZQ8 quick ratio steering box.

MoJoe · Post by **MoJoe** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:48 pm

Well so much for more TS today. The noise is gone after straight multiple weeks of this. I am not sure who/what/when/where/why, but I am going to keep a close eye on it. How ironic for it to stop after starting a thread...

Doubt it will last, but who knows. Will keep everyone posted after I go to work in the AM.

roadrunner · Post by **roadrunner** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 7:53 pm

Dude! Don't feel bad about the thread and disappearance of the issue. My blinky ses light gremlins are still hiding from me and my ever present scanner. Just continue to monitor the situation. If I had a buck for every time someone came into my shop with a problem that wouldn't present at the time I could've retired years ago.

MoJoe · Post by **MoJoe** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:45 pm

Ok, it is back. Will start checking things this weekend. I am going to change my oil and the belt anyways.

Post by **HenryJ** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:01 pm

Maybe just jack the front wheels up and turn the steering to see if the pump still howls with no load.

MoJoe · Post by **MoJoe** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 8:07 pm

Just a follow-up: Still having issues from time to time. I am going to replace my belt and have the system bled. If that does nothing, I will replace the gear box and pump. I am also removing the u-joint mod when/if I replace the gear box and pump.

Additional info: I have zero issues when first starting the truck (steering cold). No noise or strain. So could this be the system overheating?

s10 again · Post by **s10 again** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:14 pm

I think I would jack up the front end as HJ suggested. This will give you a chance to check it under no load as well as check for any binding in the steering components and ball joints. And yes it is possible to over heat the steering but I don't think thats what is going on. Does your return line look like it might be leaking any? I ask because if so it could suck air into the pump.

Chris.

MoJoe · Post by **MoJoe** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:35 pm

I have checked the lines, and they do not appear to be leaking. I also jacked the front end up a while back and tested it as suggested, but that was with the truck and steering cold. I will try it again after running it for a few miles.

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:47 pm

I do not recall seeing or coming across a good power steering flush write up. I have tried to remove as much PS steering fluid with the bosses ex turkey baster and adding new fluid afterward every chance that I get. It seems to help or, at least, makes me feel better. I am not dealing with the mileage that most of you have on your rigs though.

MoJoe · Post by **MoJoe** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 6:08 pm

Ok, jacked the front end up when I got home and tested the steering. No issues while in the air, and nothing appears to be binding.

I have to find a trust worthy mechanic to take a look at it. Maybe they will tell me I am hearing things and all is fine

MoJoe · Post by **MoJoe** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 8:08 pm

Installed the factory lower shaft with the rag joint and the noise issue is solved.

HenryJ called it right when is mentioned the noise dampening properties of the rag joint. After a little research that is one of the rag joints purposes.

Still feels like I might be having some other issues, but I am going to ensure everything is greased and happy before dumping a lot of money. Glad the noise is gone...

Horsehammerr · Post by **Horsehammerr** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:05 am

Looks like some things are better off left unimproved.