How do you know it is the power steering?

 

I'd remove serpentine belt and run engine for a brief moment to see if the whine stops. If the pumps is whining like a crying baby, then there really is no cure but to replace it. Try to avoid full lock steering when making u-turns or parking. Also flush fluid from time to time to preserve new replacement pump.

Mr. 960

 

Sounds like pump is toast, does it steer stiffly?

 

The steering assist is not stiff (for a giant AWD suv) and moves freely lock to lock. There are no leaks, etc. Any my mechanic's "ear" says the whine is coming from the pump. I'll pull the belt for a quick sec to confirm. Maybe then flush the system and replace the fluid?? hoping that will quiet 'er down. I have a flowmaster super-10 offroad exhaust system on this vehicle, and I can hear the whine OVER the exhaust note. That's pretty annoying, eh?

 

My dad's tahoe does the same thing, but not as loud...yet. Let us know how this turns out

 

Dont worry about flushing the fuild, there is a small chance that it will quiet it down a little bit but the damage is still there and it will still make noise. If you are 100% that it is the pump then replace it with a good Delco pump, fill with the correct fluid, and make sure it properly "bleeds" out before driving.

 

once it whines it's toast. maybe a flush and lubeguard p/s additive may buy you some time. I went through this w/ my old 04 Yukon and w/ my 06 Sierra. In the sierra warranty covered the pump. I've found out, as well as the tech telling me, that avoiding full lock turns is best for preserving the pump. Even if you hit full lock for a second or two, the fluid starts to heat up and break down quickly, resulting in pump decay and cavitation. Changing the fluid, specially w/ hydroboost, every 30,000 miles will help preserve the pump.

The steering assist is not stiff (for a giant AWD suv) and moves freely lock to lock. There are no leaks, etc. Any my mechanic's "ear" says the whine is coming from the pump. I'll pull the belt for a quick sec to confirm. Maybe then flush the system and replace the fluid?? hoping that will quiet 'er down. I have a flowmaster super-10 offroad exhaust system on this vehicle, and I can hear the whine OVER the exhaust note. That's pretty annoying, eh?

 

How do you flush and drain the power steering pump?

 

remove the line going to the cooler and stick it in a bucket and make sure it wont fly out. Fill up p/s to top. Start truck and be ready to turn it off the moment you hear it cavitating, for lack of a better word. It will empty out in like a second. Keep doing till fluid is clean. Or you can just siphon it out from time to time and replace with fresh fluid.