Need help with Power Steering

[kirkndopp]

We are having problems with our power steering. Background - about a month ago we lost all the fluid and lost power steering for about a week. We were able to replace the tube that had a hold in it, fill it back up and power steering returned. As soon as it returned though it started making a humming sound when we would turn. That humming sound has gotten louder and now when we are making a turn from a complete stop - if we are not engaged going forward first, there is a quite a grinding sound going on. Any ideas? My husband thinks it is the power steering motor that needs to be replaced but honestly, we don't even know where to start. Also - if we do need a new motor - anyone have ideas of where to find a distributor? We're in Wisconsin right now. Thanks.

 

[kirkndopp]

Well, you guys were right - there was air in the system. We simply took off the lid to the fluid container and then turned the wheels all the way, both ways. It didn't actually "fix" everything but the noise is considerably less. The power steering works but there is still a little tiny bit of a buzz when we turn to the left. A truck mechanic told us to do this and it worked right away. Thanks for your help guys

 

[the_experience03]

The pump was damaged by running dry, but air in the system will do (and obviously DID do) what you described. Most service manuals for everything from little cars on up recommend bleeding the system with the engine off to prevent aeration. Lessons learned, right?