power steering moaning

2004 Yukon XL Denali, <80,000 miles, recently rebuilt front drive unit and replaced cracked right side axle housing. Other than needing a tranny and rear end service no real issues. My power steering gives a moaning sound when turning either direction. I check the fluid often and it's always full. The steering doesn't "hitch" or seem to grab in any position, but I can also feel the slight roughness through the steering wheel also when turning. otherwise, the steering seems normal and the fluid is not cloudy, dark, or burnt.

So...what next?

2004 Yukon XL Denali, <80,000 miles, recently rebuilt front drive unit and replaced cracked right side axle housing. Other than needing a tranny and rear end service no real issues. My power steering gives a moaning sound when turning either direction. I check the fluid often and it's always full. The steering doesn't "hitch" or seem to grab in any position, but I can also feel the slight roughness through the steering wheel also when turning. otherwise, the steering seems normal and the fluid is not cloudy, dark, or burnt.

So...what next?

If it has not been low on fluid you need to replace pump.

2004 Yukon XL Denali, <80,000 miles, recently rebuilt front drive unit and replaced cracked right side axle housing. Other than needing a tranny and rear end service no real issues. My power steering gives a moaning sound when turning either direction. I check the fluid often and it's always full. The steering doesn't "hitch" or seem to grab in any position, but I can also feel the slight roughness through the steering wheel also when turning. otherwise, the steering seems normal and the fluid is not cloudy, dark, or burnt.

So...what next?

if your NOT the original owner this may have run low on fluid at some point in its operation . the pump will get damaged when this occurs and cause your steering condition. check that the pump pulley is clean and that the belt is not slipping . if its all good then as was mentioned replace the pump . the fluid should be replaced every 7 years . the fluid may look clean but after heat damage does not create proper pressures. if you just replaced the fluid you most likely will see improvement.