Power Steering Whine?

[Licklog]

Hi all,

First time poster in this forum. Just bought a 2006 Silverado a few week ago with 26,000 miles. Wonderful truck except for one little thing. It has a whine that follows the engine rpm. Seems to be more prominent between 20 to 40 degrees outside. Varies in loudness. Cannot seem to isolate the sound even with a stethoscope but have eliminated the tensioner pulley and the idler pulley.

The dealer (CarMax) mechanic thinks it is the power steering pump; something to do with the valves inside. He says that it is not uncommon with this truck and the aftermarket pumps may are sometimes worse.

It is a common issue? Has anyone had experience with this problem or have any other ideas?

Licklog

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Licklog

Hi all,

First time poster in this forum. Just bought a 2006 Silverado a few week ago with 26,000 miles. Wonderful truck except for one little thing. It has a whine that follows the engine rpm. Seems to be more prominent between 20 to 40 degrees outside. Varies in loudness. Cannot seem to isolate the sound even with a stethoscope but have eliminated the tensioner pulley and the idler pulley.

The dealer (CarMax) mechanic thinks it is the power steering pump; something to do with the valves inside. He says that it is not uncommon with this truck and the aftermarket pumps may are sometimes worse.

It is a common issue? Has anyone had experience with this problem or have any other ideas?

Licklog

I would have the power steering fluid replaced , this could be the result of improper or contaminated fluid...

make sure the correct fluid is used...I use the prestone power steering fluid for GM vehicles..

[danielsatur]

CarMax is one way to get a good free Inspection!

[Licklog]

Originally Posted by j cAT

I would have the power steering fluid replaced , this could be the result of improper or contaminated fluid...

make sure the correct fluid is used...I use the prestone brake fluid for GM vehicles..

"Brake fluid?"

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Licklog

"Brake fluid?"

I got brake fluid on my mind for some reason..I corrected it thanks..

[Blue Bowtie]

I'll add a second vote for changing the power steering oil. I've had a few whining pumps that have been fixed by a fluid flush/change.

[joehinvt]

does the 06 have a seperate belt for the a/c like my 01? i had a similar problem and i pulled the belts off and spun the a/c belt tensioner pulley and was amazed at how loud it was!!! changed it and noise was gone! the good thing is this is a FREE thing to do first as opposed to spending 40 bucks on fluid and have it not be it!(not saying its NOT the pump!) hope this helps and good luck with your problem!

[consultIII]

sounds like a bad p-steering pump or air in system. Check for leaks in system. If yes, fix and bleed system. Had to vacuum bleed my system. If ok probably is pump.

Alot of systems will make noise for short periods on start up when its really cold.

If it leads to pump replacement use gm cold climate power steering fluid from the dealer. Its expensive but worth it. Valvoline synpower power steering fluid is a synthetic fluid and is good also.

[Licklog]

Originally Posted by consultIII

sounds like a bad p-steering pump or air in system. Check for leaks in system. If yes, fix and bleed system. Had to vacuum bleed my system. If ok probably is pump.

Alot of systems will make noise for short periods on start up when its really cold.

If it leads to pump replacement use gm cold climate power steering fluid from the dealer. Its expensive but worth it. Valvoline synpower power steering fluid is a synthetic fluid and is good also.

If ended up being the power steering pump. Once it was changed the noise was gone. Like night and day. CarMax changed the pump under warranty. Service manager resited because he said it was not that loud. Of course he did not have to live with it or pay for it if it failed later.

BTW. I did pull the serpentine belt off during my troubleshooting and the noise was gone so it was not the a/c compressor.

I had read about the Valvoline synpower fluid during my research but found that it was discontinued. The Valvoline web site pointed me to their non-synthetic fluid.

[sailordale]

HELP!!!! I replaced the serpintine belt on my 1998 ford ranger, after it broke, I had to drive about 2 miles without it to get to a safe place, after I changed it, it now is whinning/squeaking

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by sailordale

HELP!!!! I replaced the serpintine belt on my 1998 ford ranger, after it broke, I had to drive about 2 miles without it to get to a safe place, after I changed it, it now is whinning/squeaking

welcome to the forums ..you are not in the ford forum ..I suggest you ask your question there....

ford has about 10 different belts for your vehicle...when you go to the ford forum state exactly what you have for an engine and any options ..

good luck..