Does thicker fluid quiet down a noisy PS rack ?

[chefwong]

Does thicker PS fluid universally quiet down a PS rack or it's just a matter of trial and error till I find ATF that does the trick ?

I'm still have some squeaking/groaning if I turn the steering wheel full left or full right lock, but after swapping my fluid back to another brand of Dex III, 85% of the noise issues I was having are gone.

For the previous thread history, it can be found here
http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/s...ge=2#Post873369

 

[bxd20]

I hope it does... I have had the same problem recently, will post details at the link above.

 

[Steve S]

is this on your new Bimmer?

 

[Steve S]

try auto rx. per instructions for the dose except leave it in.

 

[ewetho]

If it only makes noise at lock this is normal as you lifting relief valves and what not. If it is doing it before lock then you may have an issue. But onl at lock as you describe worry about some thing else. Just goto lock and back off a few degrees of the wheel and it will then only loose an inch or two of turning radius.

 

[mechtech2]

With 'flaming' incipient, I boldly state that we have [ at the shop] used a little STP in noisy old PS systems [ a lot of Fords] that quieted them down . Virtually fixed, and some for years. Not everybody has money for 'proper' repairs.

 

[chefwong]

Not new bimmer, but still not too old at 42K miles on the rack. FWIW, if you did not follow the past thread, I have never had this noise issue prior to the fluid swap.

I'm still at 2 drains/fill of the reservoir swap with Castrol Dex III. And not speed dependent as I can't really hear under high speeds, but even street driving when making a turn, just turning the steering wheels from 12 to either 8 or 5 oclock, not a full 180, I am Still getting some noise...... I do plan to do another 2 drain/refill which would empty out the half qt of Castrol Dex III that I have remaining to see if that does the trick.

 

[Pablo]

I must wonder a couple things. 1) How Dex VI would sound in your rack (even thinner than Amsoil ATF. 2) What was the visc. of the old fluid that came out.

I agree the that the more viscous fluid probably quiets things down in a steering system, but also the cleaning has an effect.

 

[bxd20]

In my case, the Ford Contour SVT... noise started before I messed with fluid which was stock. Fluid coming out didn't look that dirty.

No, this is not noise at lock in my case, but while turning the wheel with the car not rolling/barely rolling.

Also, as I mentioned, not the pump, it's in the area of the rack.

Castrol DexIII/Merc didn't help much.

I couldn't find either of those HM ATFs in my area, nor RP Max EZ. So I bought the Lucas PS additive. It says to add the whole bottle after siphoning out a bottle. I got chicken, the stuff is extremely thick. I swapped about 3 ounces worth (12 ounce bottle).

So far it's not helping. Based on what mechtech2 said (was that STP engine oil treatment??) I will swap in the remainder of the bottle tonight.

Thanks!!

 

[Squishy]

Quote:

---

I must wonder a couple things. 1) How Dex VI would sound in your rack (even thinner than Amsoil ATF. 2) What was the visc. of the old fluid that came out.

I agree the that the more viscous fluid probably quiets things down in a steering system, but also the cleaning has an effect.

---

I have roughly 50/50 Dex VI/Mercon in my Ford Escape; no weird noises yet.

 

[bxd20]

3 ounces didn't do much, so I siphoned out another 9 and added the rest of the bottle of Lucas PS additive.

Same thing. When cold, no noise, once warmed up it's still noisy.

I'm surprised it doesn't seem like it made any difference. Making me doubt my theory that it's the internals of the rack-n-pinion. But it's definitely from that general area.

Maybe I have to climb underneath the car while a helper turns the wheel back and forth?

The sound is kind of like a dove makes, "hoo hoo hoo". If I have the steering wheel turned about a 1/4 turn left, and then turn it right 3/4 of a turn, I hear about 2-3 of those "hoo"s with slight pauses between each one.

The other idea I have is to go to the other end of the spectrum, put in something much thinner and see how it responds. I can get the Royal Purple ATF near my house.

Suggestions?

 

[bxd20]

Sorry, just want to bump this thread one last time. Any opinions on this? The Lucas bottle is in there and seems like it made no difference at all. Makes me question if its even internal to the steering system versus some mechanical connection?? Though, the noise isn't there the first few miles of the day, that makes me think it is related to the fluid heating up.

Is there any point trying the other end of the viscosity spectrum (going thin) with Royal Purple ATF ??

Thanks guys!

Brian

 

[unDummy]

Thats for you to test!

Also, don't rule out belt condition or tension, idler pulleys, and other non-PS related noises that might sound like PS noises. Use a mechanics stethoscope to zero in on the sound.

 

[chefwong]

Just a Update to my problems.
The noise is completely gone.

I went with a full 4 reservoir drains of Amsoil Universal ATF, then 2 reservoir drains with Castrol Dex III with 85% of the noise gone and have gone through 2 reservoir drains with M1 ATF.

I dunno if it's because it's 15 degrees warmer or it's the cloudy weather and rain that is gone in NYC, but the noise has completely disappeared !

A speacial THANKS TO UNDUMMY for all his contributions in the ATF/PS forum !

 

[T-Keith]

I cannot tell you why, but on my car LC quieted my noisy pump. My car had a pretty bad whine and even some morning sickness.(no power in cold temps) I added a squirt of LC and it is silent and works great. Perhaps it cleaned out the system.

-T

 

[levi]

"...I boldly state that we have [ at the shop] used a little STP in noisy old PS systems..."

mechtech2, decided to implement your idea.

Got a '92 Olds Silhouette mini-van with 236K that has had a noisy PS pump for some time. Have tried Lucas and another additive (forget the brand) with temporary results.

Tonight I siphoned about a pint of PS fluid, and put in a few ounces of SuperTech, WallyWorld brand of STP type additive. Then topped off with a few ounces of generic PS fluid, and even some leftover Honda only PS fluid to bring it up to level!

It has certainly quieted it down on initial test drive, but so did the other additives. We'll see if this concoction will produce any lasting results!

Wish me luck!