Noicy power steering when warmed up.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20,703
Likes: 25
From: Sorrento Italy
Noicy power steering when warmed up.
How come power steering in my 72 resto modded Nova starts making noicies after a few miles?
Power tank is half full, maybe it’s the oil quality/grade?
thanks.
Power tank is half full, maybe it’s the oil quality/grade?
thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 468
From: Wichita Kansas
Is it whining as in maybe a worn/loose belt? Or chattering.... Not sure if half full is acceptable on fluid; there is a mark on the pump lid that will indicate how much you have and how much you should have in it..
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20,703
Likes: 25
From: Sorrento Italy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,809
From: Cool Northern Michigan
A whine is usually an air pocket or starvation of fluid issue.
It may take only a few minutes or may take several miles to show itself.
I doubt the quality of the PS fluid is contributing to the noise. I use the cheapest crap on sale.
(it ends up on the ground anyway)
I would suspect the pump is building pressure but afterward its starved of fluid. Hence the cavitation sound or whine.
Check the return line. Maybe blockage at either end of that rubber hose. And note if the condition is worse at full left turn or full right.
The return hose maybe kinking somewhere.
This will be tough to see what's going on in the Rez. You can't remove the cap while its running really.
But I do think the fluid level is too low.
It may take only a few minutes or may take several miles to show itself.
I doubt the quality of the PS fluid is contributing to the noise. I use the cheapest crap on sale.
(it ends up on the ground anyway)
I would suspect the pump is building pressure but afterward its starved of fluid. Hence the cavitation sound or whine.
Check the return line. Maybe blockage at either end of that rubber hose. And note if the condition is worse at full left turn or full right.
The return hose maybe kinking somewhere.
This will be tough to see what's going on in the Rez. You can't remove the cap while its running really.
But I do think the fluid level is too low.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Jun 1, 2025 at 08:19 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 1,635
From: Fairfax Virginia
This would be a great question for our friends at TURN ONE as they are the EXPERTS at steering systems. These guys know their stuff about steering and power steering. They bailed me out after installing the Steeroids Power Rack and Pinion Steering system on my 1968 C3.
These guy are the ones who got me to switch to an external reservoir for my power steering fluid. This reduced my operating temperatures over 100* and that will make the parts last longer in the rack.
Here is the link to Turn One Performance Power Steering: https://turnonesteering.com/
I guess I am fortunate having the remote external reservoir because I CAN run my power steering system and have the cap removed for observing the fluid. If the reservoir is full than my system doesn't squeal or whine. I like to check for any bubbles in the power steering fluid because they can make problems for the power steering pump.
These guy are the ones who got me to switch to an external reservoir for my power steering fluid. This reduced my operating temperatures over 100* and that will make the parts last longer in the rack.
Here is the link to Turn One Performance Power Steering: https://turnonesteering.com/
I guess I am fortunate having the remote external reservoir because I CAN run my power steering system and have the cap removed for observing the fluid. If the reservoir is full than my system doesn't squeal or whine. I like to check for any bubbles in the power steering fluid because they can make problems for the power steering pump.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,809
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Maybe someone can remember about the return line at the PS pump.
At the back is the rubber hose for the return. It is not under pressure at that point.
Not sure about all Saginaw pumps but, seems like there was a filter where the return fitting is. Maybe a steel fine screen to collect anything that came loose in the system?
Might be a check valve too? IDK
If so, the pump would give you steering assist until the return line could no longer supply fluid. (could be several minutes)
At which point cavitation begins.
At the back is the rubber hose for the return. It is not under pressure at that point.
Not sure about all Saginaw pumps but, seems like there was a filter where the return fitting is. Maybe a steel fine screen to collect anything that came loose in the system?
Might be a check valve too? IDK
If so, the pump would give you steering assist until the return line could no longer supply fluid. (could be several minutes)
At which point cavitation begins.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Half-full? What does that mean? You have a dip stick on the P/S cap to set the level. If level is too low, you will suck air and make noises. Oil level should be checked when engine and P/S system are at operating temps.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20,703
Likes: 25
From: Sorrento Italy
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Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20,703
Likes: 25
From: Sorrento Italy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,809
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Sorry. All bets are off.
You are in Italy.
You have an aftermarket PS pump.
It's not a GM Saginaw pump.
Before I put my foot in my mouth, I can't help you after all.
Good luck.
You are in Italy.
You have an aftermarket PS pump.
It's not a GM Saginaw pump.
Before I put my foot in my mouth, I can't help you after all.
Good luck.