Steering groan

Doozer · September 23, 2005

My 2002 Silverado 1500 makes a "groaning" sound when I'm parking it, but only when I turn the steering wheel to the left. Turning it to the right makes no sound. The truck has 36,000 miles and probably started making this sound only a few thousand miles ago. My 1992 Astro van actually did the same thing, although I can't remember when it started. I donated it at 225,000 miles.

Does anyone have any idea of what could be making this sound?

Thanks,

Rich

Bish · September 23, 2005

My 2002 Silverado 1500 makes a "groaning" sound when I'm parking it, but only when I turn the steering wheel to the left. Turning it to the right makes no sound. The truck has 36,000 miles and probably started making this sound only a few thousand miles ago. My 1992 Astro van actually did the same thing, although I can't remember when it started. I donated it at 225,000 miles.
Does anyone have any idea of what could be making this sound?

Thanks,

Rich

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Flush the PS fluid first. I use a turkey baster to empty the pump. Then I do it a few more times over the week to further dilute the old fluid. You'd be surprised how clean you can keep it. I've been using Valvoline Synthetic PS fluid with good success.

heavy4x4 · September 23, 2005

My 2002 Silverado 1500 makes a "groaning" sound when I'm parking it, but only when I turn the steering wheel to the left. Turning it to the right makes no sound. The truck has 36,000 miles and probably started making this sound only a few thousand miles ago. My 1992 Astro van actually did the same thing, although I can't remember when it started. I donated it at 225,000 miles.
Does anyone have any idea of what could be making this sound?

Thanks,

Rich

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just curious, but where does your "groan" sound like it's coming from? I get a groan like you describe (only when turning left at slow speeds) coming from what seems to be right behind the steering wheel. It's not a sound coming from the pump. It almost feels as if there is inteference somewhere. The noise goes away and comes back. It seems to be gone more often when I've driven my truck a lot (as if the groan goes away after some exercise).

debo4x4 · September 23, 2005

I just had my truck in for the same problem and tech at the dealer said it was the steering gear(gray cylinder located next to the power steeing pump). they wanted $600+ to replace but he said i could take it to a local shop and get it rebuilt cheaper. so i figured i could deal with the groan for now, but how long it will last i don't know...

Doozer · September 24, 2005

Thanks for the replies. although I see no consensus on this, I will pop the hood and see if I can isolate the noise, then re-post.

Thanks,

Rich

GM-Tech · September 24, 2005

Thanks for the replies. although I see no consensus on this, I will pop the hood and see if I can isolate the noise, then re-post.

This noise is definitely a steering gear and a known issue. I could have sworn we had a TSB on this, but I just looked and couldn't find anything. In any case, we've replaced plenty of steering gears for this noise. It has to do with fluid passing some sealing rings in the spool valve.

kdm101 · September 24, 2005

I "Power" flushed my power steering last year myself. I started by pulling the low pressure return line. Be prepared to have some fluid drain from the reservoir or suck it out first as described above. I capped the reservior nipple, then attached a hose extention to the LP return line and inserted that into a catch bottle (like an old milk jug). I recommend some clear tubing you can buy at the local hardware store.

It helps if you have a second person to do this. Start the engine, do not rev, and simply continue to pour in new fluid until the stuff coming out the return line is clean. Shut engine off, put hose back onto pump and top off reservior.

To flush out any air bubbles that might be in the system, I started the engine back up and turned the wheel lock to lock several times. Shut the engine off, check the level and top up as necessary. Repeat as necessary.

I also used the Valvoline syntec. I had no "groaning" noises last year, and so far, it's still running very quiet.

Huntintruck · September 26, 2005

My 2000 1500 also makes this sound, and it seems to come from the steering column. I am also going to check closer and see if I can isolate the sound.