Power Steering almost inop when very cold

[sasilverbullet]

2002 Chevy Express 1500 with the 5.6 liter and 220K miles, it's a conversion van. When it's about 45 or below, the power steering is hard to turn at first. Once it warms up it's fine.

Any ideas? Of course fluid level is ok.

 

[oilpsi2high]

Belt slip when cold?

 

[01rangerxl]

GM/AC Delco has "cold climate" ps fluid to deal with that. Yes, I see you are in TX...we stock the cold climate fluid here in AL though, I'd bet your dealer has it.

 

[bullwinkle]

Could be a failing PS pump-is it noisy when cold & you try to turn it? My MGM has this issue, I replaced the ancient black Mercon PS fluid with Dex VI, it helped somewhat, but I'm going to have to bite the bullet & replace it eventually.

 

[WyrTwister]

That is what I was going to suggest . Drain & fill . Maybe twice , untill it is pretty clean .

 

[zorobabel]

Originally Posted by oilpsi2high
Belt slip when cold?

+1
If you rev the engine just a bit, is it easier to turn the steering wheel?

 

[Snagglefoot]

Originally Posted by WyrTwister
That is what I was going to suggest . Drain & fill . Maybe twice , untill it is pretty clean .


Even using a turkey baster to replace the fluid can be helpful, say three or four times over the course of a week.

 

[KalapanaBlack]

Hydroboost system? Have any braking issues?

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted by 01rangerxl
GM/AC Delco has "cold climate" ps fluid to deal with that. Yes, I see you are in TX...we stock the cold climate fluid here in AL though, I'd bet your dealer has it.


Just checked the internet, and yes this is a thing. Or just use aftermarket synthetic power steering fluid.