steering noise

2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
200,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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SHIFT
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I have an 02 silverado and in certain spots when I turn to the right the steering box whirrs. It seems to be right where the shaft enters the box. The fluid level is fine and there arent any hard spots in the wheel. The truck steers normally other then the noise which is most noticable in sharp right turns or from a left turn back to center. Also there isnt any leaks. Do you think I should flush the system and try new fluid or what do you suggest? Thanks.
Jul 7, 2011 at 2:30 AM
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CARADIODOC
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Buzzing is normally a sign of air in the fluid but that noise comes from the pump, not the gear box. GM typically has very little trouble with the gear boxes on their trucks but the pumps on their cars are known for becoming noisy. I'd recommend starting by having a mechanic listen to the sound to determine if it is indeed a buzzing related to air or if they think it is a symptom of something else.

In the '90s, Chrysler had some Dodge trucks that developed a buzzing noise in real cold weather, but only on the diesel engines. They came out with a special "cold weather" power steering fluid which cured the noise. I haven't heard of anything similar going on with the GM trucks, but it might be worth asking a GM mechanic.

There have also been service bulletins related to normal power steering noise being transmitted into the passenger compartment. The fix was a redesigned high pressure hose. Thinking along those lines, check the routing of your high pressure hose to be sure it isn't making contact with anything. Hissing from the movement of the hydraulic fluid is normal but it shouldn't transfer into the cab.
Jul 7, 2011 at 7:36 AM