Power Steering

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Jun 23, 2008 | 11:29 AM

#16

sleek122

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From: San Diego

Quote:

Originally Posted by miller_feed

I tested my truck this weekend, and turning the steering wheel, I hear the same sound you hear just before you hit the max turn. It does sound like a vacuum leak, but it is not.

Maybe some else can confirm this by doing the same test.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HKusp

Well it sounds like every other power steering pump I have ever heard when you turn it close to the stop. It has a "psssshhhhhhhttt" sound. Nothing unusual in my mind.

Thanks guys for testing this for me but on mine it is getting worse. I know it did it a little bit when it was full turn but now it is doing it when not even close to the full stop. I think I am on the right direction by fixing the ESOF. I will update when I figure it out.

Thanks again.

Jun 23, 2008 | 12:34 PM

#17

HKusp

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Hampton, Maryland.

Al, have you but larger tires on it? If so, it will struggle more to move them when you are sitting still and make the noise more noticeable. I think you should fix the vacuum leak for sure regardless of whether it is effecting the power steering or not.
Try changing to mobil1 synthetic or similar synthetic ATF for the power steering pump. It will quiet it down a bit and make the effort less.

Jun 23, 2008 | 12:45 PM

#18

miller_feed

Hook it, I'll pull it.

Joined: May 2007

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From: Grand Lake, La.

Al, do this, unplug the connection on the front hub vacuum solenoid. That way there is no vacuum going to the front hubs. Then turn your steering wheel again. Here is a pic of the solenoid, just unplug it.

Jun 23, 2008 | 02:42 PM

#19

Smokin'

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Quote:

Originally Posted by sleek122

Quick update, My 4x4 is not engaging in auto mode so that might be part of the problem. I will keep everyone updated when I find out what this is exactly. Thanks Smokin for pointing that out and for the links.

Sure thing. I would look for a cracked vacuum line somewhere near your steering column or anything that would move or bump up against those lines when you turn your steering wheel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by miller_feed

No, Lisa, what he is hearing is not a vacuum leak. There is no link between the steering and the vacuum pump. I think he is hearing the pump working as he turns the steering wheel.

Rick...do I get an apology now? lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HKusp

Al, have you but larger tires on it? If so, it will struggle more to move them when you are sitting still and make the noise more noticeable.

FWIW, I have 35" tires and the manual hub setup and I've never heard anything that is even remotely close to a vacuum sound coming from the steering/braking system. Just your usual PS pump whine every now and again.

Jun 23, 2008 | 03:04 PM

#20

miller_feed

Hook it, I'll pull it.

Joined: May 2007

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From: Grand Lake, La.

Lisa, I still don't think he has a vacuum leak because of turning the steering wheel. Even if he took the vacuum lines off and turned the wheel, nothing would happen. If there was a constant vacuum on the lines and he was hitting the line with the steering rod, then I would understand a vacuum leak. But there is not constant vacuum on the lines. Only when he engages the 4x4 is there vacuum on the lines for so many seconds. Then when he takes it out of 4x4 there is vacuum for another few seconds.

Jun 23, 2008 | 03:17 PM

#21

Smokin'

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Valid point Rick. There was a recall on the ESOF on the '99's, apparently had a problem with the vacuum pumps staying on. I wonder if it's a combination of a few different isuses.

Jun 23, 2008 | 03:36 PM

#22

miller_feed

Hook it, I'll pull it.

Joined: May 2007

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From: Grand Lake, La.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin'

Valid point Rick. There was a recall on the ESOF on the '99's, apparently had a problem with the vacuum pumps staying on. I wonder if it's a combination of a few different isuses.

Lisa, you would have to have a combination of a few things for this to happen. The pump would have to run all the time, The solenoid that allows vacuum to the front hugs would have to malfunction, and he would have to have a leak where the line hits the steering arm.