Loose Steering wheel/ Steering Slop & Tranny P1870

[pkspx01]

Hey everyone I just got a 98 Blazer for 3grand for my winter car but it has some issues. First of all My steering wheel feels loose, it tends to wander on the road and you have to correct it, the fluid was empty so i used LUCAS power steering leak stop and doesnt help. Im thinking I need to adjust the steering? or is it possible its the pump or something?

My other problem that I am having is I think the tranny is on its way out. Whenever I have my foot on the gas, you hear a noise that sounds like a small electric motor its not a wheel bearing becuase its only when you have your foot off the gas or the tranny in ( N ) position. My guess is powertrain noise but not sure exactly.

[someguy000001]

I would get underneath and give the tie rods a good tug to make sure they're tight. Or jack up the front end, grab the tire, and pull it different directions to see if there's play. A pump problem usually makes the wheel hard to turn, but who knows. You said that the power steering fluid was 'empty'. That can't be good :/
As for the motor-sounding whine noise, are you sure it's not the fuel pump?

[pkspx01]

Thanks for the reply, Im positive its not the fuel pump this more alike sounds like something only when your in drive or if your foot is on the gas pedal.

[Mikado14]

"My other problem that I am having is I think the tranny is on its way out. Whenever I have my foot on the gas, you hear a noise that sounds like a small electric motor its not a wheel bearing becuase its only when you have your foot off the gas or the tranny in ( N ) position. My guess is powertrain noise but not sure exactly"

You have a dichotomy here or I am not comprehending what I'm reading. You first say, when your foot is on the gas and then you say it's only when your foot is off the gas and the tranny is in neutral.

Which is it?

[pkspx01]

To clear up the above posts, Whenever my foot is on the gas pedal I hear this whine sound, almost like a wheel bearing BUT if i have my foot of the gas pedel it goes away. Im wondering if its the tranny ?

[Mikado14]

Hmmm, I would say to inspect the powertrain as in the rear differential. It almost sounds by your description to be either a pinion bearing or a carrier bearing. Have you checked the rear oil?

As far as the front end with the wandering, I would check in this order, idler arm, center link, pitman, tie rod ends (both sides), and then ball joints. Also, the steering dampner.

[Fireplug]

Need more info!
1. the noise does it happen while driving sitting at idle or both.
2.when does the noise stop trans in park , drive, n, rev,??
We have to find out if its in the drive line(rear end ,axels bearings stuff like that) or an internal trans noise ,engine .
If the ps was low of fluid are you SURE the pump is not making the noise?? ps pumps are known to make very load noise while the truck is moving.
Open the hood with the engine running in park with the ebrake on and rev the engine any noise???
Lets know
Fireplug

[pkspx01]

Originally Posted by Fireplug

Need more info!
1. the noise does it happen while driving sitting at idle or both.
2.when does the noise stop trans in park , drive, n, rev,??
We have to find out if its in the drive line(rear end ,axels bearings stuff like that) or an internal trans noise ,engine .
If the ps was low of fluid are you SURE the pump is not making the noise?? ps pumps are known to make very load noise while the truck is moving.
Open the hood with the engine running in park with the ebrake on and rev the engine any noise???
Lets know
Fireplug

Hey everyone I have some more detail to help you out, I've been driving the car for a few days now and I got a feel as to what its doing

1.The noise only happends when you are in drive
2.The noise faints if your over 70-80mph its higher in pitch
3. The noise is coming from the rear sounds like the right rear
4. No noise if you rev the eninge it only appears to happen while in drive taking it out of gear or letting of the gas pedel noise goes away car sounds and idels as if its new EVEN if your coasting down hill on a highway.

[ad6kb]

Alternators sometimes whine prior to failing. does the pitch of whine change with engine speed? If so, check alternator.

th

[Mikado14]

They will also "whine" when under load. The greater the load, the more pronounced.

[pkspx01]

I gave up. Took it to have it inspected, bad idler arm is causing loose steering and he says front bearings are howling. I asked him if he thought it would be something with the rear but he claims he's almost certin he hears it from the front. Rear wheel bearings are in good shape. I also have more new issues the freakin power mirrors do not function I check the fuse box no problems. all wires are connected.