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Power Steering Noise

H

HMF

Member
Messages
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Location
Santa Fe, TX
About 6 weeks ago I replaced the power steering pump on my 97 GMC 6.5TD because the shaft was wobbling. In about the last week when I am starting from a stop and turn in either direction I get a noise that sounds kind of like shaking a can of rocks. The noise goes away quickly. There is no increase in steering effort, and there seems to be no problem at all with the brakes (hydraboost). I'd appreciate ideas anyone has as to what the noise might be. Could it be the replacement pump failing? Thanks!
 
I forgot to mention that the fluid is at the proper level, and does not seem to foam or anything. The fliud level has not changed since I replaced the pump about six weeks ago. The color and smell also seem normal.

The pully is not rubbing on anything.

The niose sounds like it would sound with low fluid, but the level is fine. Six weeks ago when I replaced the pump I believe I got all the air out of the system since it went about 4 or 5 weeks with no noise.

Also, with the truck stopped and the engine idling, I can turn the steering wheel in both directions with no loss of power steering and very little noise. The noise only seems to be there when I start to take off from a start while turning.

Thanks for the suggestions so far!
 
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hmmm. By chance is there a problem elsewhere? From what your describing it doesn't seem like the new pump is to be at fault. Just taking off right? Did you "distrub" anything else when you replaced the pump? You know that old saying "It worked fine until I messed with it..."
 
It turns out it was the pump. I replaced it again the other day and everything is working fine and quiet again. The bearings on the first replacement pump were already going bad, the pump shaft had a lot of side play.

Thanks!
 
Mine has been making noise for a few weeks now and will need replacement soon. Can you go over your replacement method for me, and others as I've never attempted this before.

Also did you replace just the pump itself? or did you get the entire new unit with new resevoir and all? Perhaps you have the part #?

I ask becuase I saw many different options on the webpages on pumps and pumps w/out resevoir's and etc.
 
I just bought a rebuilt pump with reservoir. Removing and re-installing the pump on the truck is pretty easy. Three of the pump mounting bolts are behind the pulley though. On my truck the pulley is solid, so I had pull the pulley off before I could get to those bolts. The pulley has to be pressed back onto the pump after the pump is re-installed on the engine. Pulling the pulley off and pressing it back on is easy too -- if you either have the special tool, or get the loaner from the parts store. Both times I replaced the pump it did not need much bleeding. I only had to top off the fluid once both times. I did have to rev the engine up a little before the pump started working the first time.

I don't have the part number for the pump, but if you go to a parts store they will look it up.

My preference would have been to find a rebuild kit to rebuild the original pump myself. I did not have the luxury of time to find a rebuild kit though the first time the pump needed replacing. Since then I have searched and have not been able to find anyone who sells a rebuild kit. If anyone knows where to get a good rebuild kit I would probably get one and rebuild my factory pump and put it back on if this second rebuilt pump fails. I don't much trust "rebuilt" parts from the chain autoparts stores, for the very reason that the first pump I put on went bad so quickly.

Hope that helps.
 
On my wife's burban 2000 gasser I bought the pump only without the resevoir. Ive done this before but this one was a pain in the rear. Didn't look any different just rustier and harder to clean up. there was about a $50 savings though. Took about 45 mins longer then buying one with a resv already on it.
 
So i have a 96 chevy 6.5 that has 180,000 miles on it and it still has the factory power steering pump. It started to make noise 6 months ago so i drained the fluid and put a inline filter on the return line. it has been working great. no more noise.
 
A while back I bought two inline filters. I just have not gotten around to installing them. My plan is to put one in each return line.

I don't remember exactly when, maybe springtime of 2010 the pump failed again. This time I bought a rebuild kit for about $9.95 and rebuilt the pump even though the one I had on there had a lifetime warranty.

Rebuilding it was very easy. The main thing that takes time is cleaning everything.
 
The pump will keep failing without the filters. you get small particles in the system from the failing pumps and the filter is the only way to get it all out.
 
How do you like the 3.42 gears in your truck? I have been thinking about putting them in my truck. it currently has 4.10s. the rpm are to high on the freeway.
 
Jamin6.5 said:
How do you like the 3.42 gears in your truck? I have been thinking about putting them in my truck. it currently has 4.10s. the rpm are to high on the freeway.
Click to expand...

To me, I did not notice any performance reduction. I was pleasantly surprised about that because I figured I would notice it. I'm sure there has to be some reduction, but it just wasn't enough for me to notice.

The fuel consumption is maybe about 1/2 mile/gallon better.

For me, the best part is the lower RPM, less noise, and hopefully less wear & tear on the engine and accessories.
 
I got a call from gm they're giving me a new pump. They said its because the metal the pump is made of as well as the brackets is weak. So everyone should call gm and find out if its been changed. I'm the second owner so they had no way to get in touch with me. It was a coincidence I called gm for the build sheet for my truck.'presto new pump brackets and lines. Being done this Friday at the dealer.
 
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