Our family car, a very well maintained 1997 Chev Lumina 3.1L engine (72,000 km) has recently developed a high pitched "whine", not a squeal in the area of the power steering pump when accelerating or simply stepping on the gas while in park. No steering problems, fluid is OK. The drivebelt was replaced in the fall, so I don't think it's that. Could it be the power steering pump? Also, where is the PCV valve on a 2004-2005 Chev Trailblazer, 4200 series engine?
Power Steering pump problem?
- Thread starter rocketman
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You sure it is not the water pump?
Are you using a synthetic power steering fluid?
Are you using a synthetic power steering fluid?
Do you have idlers or a tensioner, or just a plain V belt?
No I'm not sure if it is the water pump (how can you tell?), and no, the power steering fluid is not synthetic. The belt is a plain V belt, but don't they have tensioners too? I will have to check it out when I get home from work, but the "whining" was not there after the belt was replaced last fall. It has recently appeared.
It could be a bearing starting to go in the water pump or PS pump, but water pump is more likely. Can you get your ear somewhat close and listen to each, or get a scope to listen. Its doubtful that you could take of the belt and spin each by hand to detect where the problem is.
With the engine not running, grab where the pulley is on the water pump and try to move the water pump shaft. If it doesn't move, and you don't see a leak, then that's ok.
If you're not sure where it is, you may have a drive belt decal on your underhood area to check.
If you're not sure where it is, you may have a drive belt decal on your underhood area to check.
Are you sure the belt tension is correct? Too tight or too loose can cause issues. Power steering on my Subaru started whining a couple weeks after I had overtightened the belt. Replaced pump and belt, then after a few weeks the belt squealed after it had broken in and needed a little more tightening.
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