PS Pump Noise above 2500 RPM...Help??

TexasAggie · November 24, 2003

Howdy all...been awhile since I had to post, but definitely need some advice now...

After finding my truck in a puddle of antifreeze last weekend and an exhaustive replacement of the ill-fated vortec intake gaskets...I decided I would go ahead and replace my power steering pump while I had it all open...it had been giving me trouble over the last few months anyway...making noise when cold and the like...

Now the truck runs great and doesn't leak antifreeze, but I have a new power steering problem...the thing makes a horrible whine when the engine speed gets above 2500 RPM. I went through the bleed procedure I found on a previous post and still no good...and it is a very audible whine when I accelerate...it sounds like it is having trouble pumping or the pressure is too high or something...

I replaced the old pump with a remanufactured one and replaced all the O-Rings on the pressure valve and hi-pressure assembly. I had never seen such a thing before, but maybe you guys have...it is on a 97 Z-71 Silverado. I guess it has something to do with the speed sensitive steering or whatever, but I need some advice...think I have a blockage or maybe a bad pump or just air??? I don't know, but the thing sounds like it is going to come unguled at 3000 RPM, so I hope someone can help...thanks very much in advance...

Shaners · November 24, 2003

I'm sorry that your truck sounds like a Ford now....

If the steering feels OK then, maybe it's an alignment problem with the belt...

If Everything checks out then I would guess that the pump is at fault.

Sierra 5150 · November 24, 2003

I'm sorry that your truck sounds like a Ford now....

If the steering feels OK then, maybe it's an alignment problem with the belt...

If Everything checks out then I would guess that the pump is at fault.

OMG! I though I was the only one who noticed an awful lot of fords have power steering noise. In addition to hissing exhausts from clogged mufflers and rattling valvetrains.

99silveradoz71 · November 24, 2003

OMG! I though I was the only one who noticed an awful lot of fords have power steering noise. In addition to hissing exhausts from clogged mufflers and rattling valvetrains.

No no, neighbor across the street from my folks has a f-150 with a manual. That thing whines like a 6yo.

TexasAggie · November 25, 2003

Ok guys...I definitely need some input now...I went ahead and removed the pump...returned it and installed another one...this one is even worse than the one before....is screams at all speeds?? Plus it won't even pressure up unless the engine is running at 1500 or better...what are the odds of getting two bad pumps in a row?

I am pulling my hair out on this one and have to have the truck for the holidays...please help...any ideas? I know the air is out and I can see the fluid circulating...and I did flush the system...twice now...