How Many Here

[pm26]

A while ago someone posted a tech bulletin about flushing the steering system and replacing the existing fluid with Valvoline synthetic power steering fluid. This bulletin was meant for the NBS '07+ trucks. My local Chevy dealer told me that they had pretty good luck quieting down noisy power steering pumps by doing the system flush and fluid replacement.

 

Does this also apply to '06 and older trucks? I have a faint power steering pump whine that comes and goes. Lately it disappeared for several weeks and has not come back yet. Is this flush worth trying? Could it possibly harm anything? Do dealers use a machine to do this with ? Is the noise due to a pump design defect, like sticking flow control valve inside the pump? Why would synthetic fluid make the pump quieter?

 

This power steering pump whine is obviously a common issue on these trucks. I wonder if they redesigned the power steering pump for the '07+ NBS trucks.

 

Any insight into this will be appreciated.

[Zembonez]

I'm guilty of never ever changing fluid in any power steering system on any vehicle that I have ever owned.

 

BUT

 

I do run Lucas additive in my company sled Explorer PS pump and it did quieten it substantially. At about 100K it was starting to get noisy. The additive quietened it and I am now approaching 150K so it must have done something positive. Not exactly what you were asking Pete, but related.

[Wingnut]

I've got Dextron III transmission fluid in mine.

[ALange]

I've got Dextron III transmission fluid in mine.

 

I have never changed mine in my life.

[Wingnut]

I've got Dextron III transmission fluid in mine.

 

I have never changed mine in my life.

 

 

Me neither (except when repairing/replacing stuff). But the GTO actually specifies the stuff.

[Z45]

I recently changed the PS fluid on my 2008 to Amsoil Synthetic PS fluid. The steering seemed sluggish during a recent cold spell (0°) and the new fluid seems to work better. I now have synthetic in everything on the truck.

 

I took a suction gun (<$20) and removed the existing fluid from the reservoir, drove it for a week and did it again.

 

I know GM has or had 2 versions of the PS fluids, one for normal and one for use in cold climates.

[dlstewart01]

I changed mine out with Valvoline Max Life. It has seal conditioners and stop leak in it. Seems to be working good. Had no problems. Put the same stuff in my wifes Buick. She had a slight leak. Seems to have stoped it. I havn't had to add any fluid lately.

 

Merry Christmas,

 

Don

[Outbacker]

A while ago someone posted a tech bulletin about flushing the steering system and replacing the existing fluid with Valvoline synthetic power steering fluid. This bulletin was meant for the NBS '07+ trucks.

 

I did a search and could not find the bulletin, but if someone does know where it is, can you point me in the right direction? Thanks.

 

This is quite interesting. Is there any other benefits besides quieting the system down? And I suppose better response in colder temps is another advantage. I confess that I have never changed out my fluid either. Is a full flush required, or just remove what is in the reservoir and fill it up with synthetic SF?

 

Thanks again.

[mooman]

I had the dealer do this as a result of a "Whine" in the steering.

It did not work. Found out it was the steering box.

Now a year later.....the power steering pump looks like it's leaking from the front by the pulley. Anybody change one before on a 04?

[dietz4ibanez]

I have never change mine either..