2002 GC Steering Noise...

WOW, that was a LONG line!

I suspect that it is the pump also. But it wont hurt any to flush the system and get the crud out of the steering rack. Those little metal filings = reduced system life, so it is likely something I would have had done in the next year anyways (just like I am going to get the trans fluid changed before 100,000 kms! ;)

If they replaced one of the hoses, then air could well have gotten into the system. I bet you they never primed your pump correctly, so air was trapped in the pump itself - not the system. This is, of course, speculation. However, I saw my regular mechanic installing a new master brake cylender once. He actually had little pipes that he installed so the fluid went from the MS output directly back into the reservoir! When I asked him why, he said that he bleeds the MS back into itself until it is fully primed and no air is in the pump. THEN he connected the brake lines, and flushed the lines between the MS and the wheels with fresh clear and air-free fluid!

VERY Smart! So I presume there should be s similar procedure for a power steering pump. And I bet when they put a new one in, they prime it. But I bet when they reconnected your old one, they did not! Saves them time! But in the end, it costs more because they have to replace the pump. You were lucky you were on warranty. You get a new pump, N/C, just some inconveinience. But the dealership get to bill $$$ for warranty work.

Now it MIGHT be a coincidence, but I personally don't think so.

Thanks for the info.

I got a recall notice in the mail that the power steering hoses were defective and needed to be replaced. After taking it to the dealer for this, the power steering started making those noises when I started it cold in the morning. It took 3 or 4 more trips to the dealer for them to get rid of the noises. At first they told me that the problem was "air trapped in the system" and tried to bleed the air out by just turning the wheel all the way lock to lock several times. When that didn't work they flushed the fluid. Twice. But the noise persisted. So they finally replaced the power steering pump. And that fixed the noise. But what puzzles me most about this is that there was never any noise from the system before I brought it in for that power steering hose recall. Was is just a coincidence?

Is there any chance you had the PS fluid topped-off recently?

What you described (a screaming PS pump) can be caused by clean contamination - mixing two different fluid formulations. If, for exampl,e you had the oil changed at one of those places where they check all the other fluid levels and the kid just dumped in some cheap, off-the-shelf generic fluid, you could get this reaction if the quantities wer sufficient.

My 2 cents.

Bob

Well, I purchased the van used froma GM dealer. I also purchased a warranty with it, and I have only (so far) returned to that dealer for service.

I know they subbed the van back out to Chrysler for a large amount of work on the electronic modules, et al. But as far as I know, there has never been any problems with the steering before, and I know I certianly have not topped up the fluid as it has been the proper level ever since I purchased the van.

However, if GM DID do a top up, then it likely was with the WRONG fluid as the owners manual says that ATF+4 is the proper fluid.

The noise is getting louder, so I will be booking it in sometime in the next 2 weeks. If they suggest a fluid flush & fill, I'm telling them to send it to their sister chrysler dealer (next door) to get the proper fluid flush done.

Thanks for the heads up.

I'm skeptical since 99% of shops will tell you that Dexron III? with an additive is equivalent of ATF+4, which is pure B.S, so why would I believe the aftermaket industry when they say the same about Dexron V? Also an MSDS is not a complete spec. sheet - it has very basic info. on primary chemical components for environmental/health purposes - not complete process and properties information.

Bill Putney (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my address with the letter 'x')

You're saying that you can reverse engineer a product from the MDSS, which you can't. Throwing a bunch of chemicals together in the right proportions does not necessarily a viable product make. Process affects the end result. Dexron III with an additive is not equivalent to ATF+4.

Bill Putney (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my address with the letter 'x')

You are saying that Dexron 5 is specifically designated as ATF+4, i.e., cross-licensed? If that is the case, then maybe you are correct.

Bill Putney (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my address with the letter 'x')

Can you offer any basis for the supposition - other than the MSDS (which I don't accept as a good indication by itself)?

Bill Putney (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my address with the letter 'x')

UPDATE...

The car is still in the shop, but the word is...

As I suspected, GM sub'ed it out to Chrysler. The word that I have is that Chrysler determined the sterring rack needed to be replaced! So I did NOT get any BS about a fluid change or anything! :)

The reason that I did not get the car back is that I had complained about the VERY load wiper motor noise. They looked at it, and it too was defective. So they got one in and installed it, but when they went to connect it, they discovered that the connector appeared "wrong" because it would not fit! They double checked, in case the wrong motor had been provided - the motor was correct. Apparently, Chrysler redesigned the motor, and changed the connector! So now the van sits waiting for the connector harness to come from back east.

Oh well, I get to keep the NEW loaner van until mine is ready!

And ALL of it covered by warranty with a $100 deductable. Man I tell ya, that $2000 warranty is the best money I have ever spent! I figure they have done about $3000 worth of work now. :)))))))) (and I still have 1.5 years and 35,000 kms left on the warranty!)

Merry Chrsitmas!