Power Steering Issues

[sagent]

I have a 2002 GMC sierra with 5.3L that has started making some noise in the power steering system. Vehicle has about 77,000 on the clock and is still covered by my 100,000 mile extended warranty. At idle with warm engine, cranking wheel creates the typical power steering noise / whine which you can feel in the steering wheel. If i bring this in to my dealership, should I expect to get the old song and dance of "the fluid must be flushed and this is not covered ". Should I try flush the fluid myself and see if this helps or will this just delay the inevitable. I don't want to delay the pump and gear from going completely bad at 100,000.5 miles. What has been your experience with these issues?

 

Also is it just my truck, or do the front ends ( steering linkage ) feel much more soild / responsive after greasing all the fittings? Particularly the inner tie rods.

 

Many thanks in advance.

[snoman]

I have a 2002 GMC sierra with 5.3L that has started making some noise in the power steering system. Vehicle has about 77,000 on the clock and is still covered by my 100,000 mile extended warranty. At idle with warm engine, cranking wheel creates the typical power steering noise / whine which you can feel in the steering wheel. If i bring this in to my dealership, should I expect to get the old song and dance of "the fluid must be flushed and this is not covered ". Should I try flush the fluid myself and see if this helps or will this just delay the inevitable.  I don't want to delay the pump and gear from going completely bad at 100,000.5 miles. What has been your experience with these issues?

 

Also is it just my truck, or do the front ends ( steering linkage ) feel much more soild / responsive after greasing all the fittings? Particularly the inner tie rods.

 

Many thanks in advance.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Sometimes changing fluid in them helps. Also greasing the front end tightens it up for a while after all the joints are filled with grease which can take out a bit of slop for a while. I have long noticed this especailly on older vehicles.