I've had a whine in my steering for about six months. All research indicated a sticking check valve in the Hydro boost. I tried changing the fluid and adding a filter. It seemed to help a bit but not much. I was told you had to change the whole part (about $375) or just live with the noise. So, I bought a can of Seafoam addictive for trans, steering and hydro systems. I put in about 2-3 ounces, turned the wheel and hit the brakes for awhile and then took a drive. The noise persisted for 5 minutes and then stopped. It seems to have totally gone away. I drove and turned alot and I never heard it again. I am cautiously optimistic. My theory is that there was a small amount of varnish build up.

 

So, no one else has had this problem or has any thoughts about what I did?

 

Was this noise an intermittent high pitch noise heard from in the cab? Almost like a vacuum leak whistle? If so I'm very interested in this fix

 

Never heard of this "fix"... but it sounds like it worked for you?

I would maybe want to flush out the old fluid and replace it with fresh new fluid in order to get out the additive and any sediment or varnish that has been loosened (hopefully you still have the in-line filter installed)?

I personally have never head an issue, but I also flush my P/S fluid system each Spring... so by having fresh fluid and a full time in-line Magafine filter installed, I hope I am reducing the chances of varnish building up due to thermal breakdown of the fluid....???

Glad to hear it has worked for you.

 

The noise was like the whine you would hear on older cars when you turned the steering wheel all the way to one side. The hydroboost system is for the steering and brakes. I found when I pushed on the brake while turning it would stop. It did sound like it was coming from inside the cab under the steering column.

 

I have the same issue every once in a while. Sounds like a 1978 f150 low on power steering fluid. Where did you get the additive?

 

Mines been whineing and had low power for about 3 weeks. Just did the PS flush and that seemed to help a little bit. But I was at AZ getting a starter for a fleet truck and saw the seafoam trans tune on the shelf for ten bucks. I figured I would try it because I remembered your post. After 3hrs of driving with it in it is quieter. And seems to have gained a bit of the steering back as well.