Help! '94 Power Steering Noise??

[Donne Trav]

Ever since buying my '94 (in summer 1999), each winter, when very cold, there's this loud "whinning" sound in the power steering system when I start my car. It lasts until the engine starts to warm up and then its OK. Until 2 years ago, the steering wheel would lock-up unless I revved the engine a couple of times. then steering would free-up, but the noise
continued until engine was warm. Presently, the noise continues on those
cold mornings until warm-up, but no lock-up at all. Also, have had to add
fluid the last couple of days. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Rex S]

Some PS pumps moan when cold and always will. One of the Vettes and my old Land Rover Discovery both do but are fine when warm or in summer. Worry more about the leak. It could be as minor as the return hose leaking at the clamp due to cold or the system may be starting to fail. We have seen both the rack and pumps leak so you need to track the leak down. You didn't mention how many miles are on the car but if it's a high mile car, it may be time for both. The crimp on the high presssure lines can seep also and will need replaced if seeping.

 

[Donne Trav]

Some PS pumps moan when cold and always will. One of the Vettes and my old Land Rover Discovery both do but are fine when warm or in summer. Worry more about the leak. It could be as minor as the return hose leaking at the clamp due to cold or the system may be starting to fail. We have seen both the rack and pumps leak so you need to track the leak down. You didn't mention how many miles are on the car but if it's a high mile car, it may be time for both. The crimp on the high presssure lines can seep also and will need replaced if seeping.

Man, you guys amaze me with the incite & knowledge. So glad you guys
are on this forum!

 

[Hib Halverson]

As stated above, I'd carefully inspect the hoses.

Then I'd change the power steering fluid. A synthetic fluid is going to do better in very cold weather.

If the noise persists, you may need to replace the pump.

 

[vetteoz]

Common problem known as " morning sickness".
The fluid is blowing by the seals inside the steering rack when it's cold. When the seals warm up it is fine. Lucas P/S Stop Leak Oil has been noted to fix the problem

Corvette Forum - View Single Post - Rack and Pinion morning sickness

 

[gmjunkie]

Common problem known as " morning sickness".
The fluid is blowing by the seals inside the steering rack when it's cold. When the seals warm up it is fine. Lucas P/S Stop Leak Oil has been noted to fix the problem

Corvette Forum - View Single Post - Rack and Pinion morning sickness

Yeah,Ive posted several posts on this site about Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak and Conditioner!!
But I've also been accused of trying to sell "Snake Oil" so I'll just keep my fingers in my nose!!