Thread: Could These Noises Be P/S Problem?

My GP has been making odd noises lately in the engine compartment while turning the steering wheel. My experience in the past has been that power steering problems usually are accompanied by shrill chattering noises. However, the noises I'm hearing are what I would describe as much lower pitched "groans" that vary in pitch as the wheel is turned. Would these types of noises also indicate a problem with my P/S unit or fluid level?

I hadn't checked my P/S fluid level previously since I couldn't find the damn thing. Thanks to this forum I've been able to locate it, so I will be checking it in the next day or so, BEFORE the engine gets hot. Also, I'm assuming if I need to add P/S fluid it'll require one of those long skinny funnels?

I'll really appreciate any light you can shed on this problem for me. Thanks..........

Norm

Well, once again you all here at this GP Forum have saved my bacon and also kept me from unnecessary expenses at a dealer. So THANK YOU, THANK YOU very much!

I got one of the funnels with a long flexible tube and some P/S fluid and after getting familiar with how that darn funnel works to release the measured amount of fluid, it took around 12 Oz to fill the reservoir. By the way, that tip about repositioning the washer fluid reservoir really made all the difference, but it is still not a job I'd want to do every day.

But now my steering works like brand new. Not a single noise and it turns like butter, so thanks a million again!

Norm

Hey man, thanks a million for your response. I got that long flexible funnel today at WM along with a large container of P/S fluid. Added about 12 Oz. and now my steering works like brand new! Not a whisper of a sound and I figure that saved me at least fifty bucks by not having to go to a dealer. Only comment I have is what kind of a place is that to place any kind of reservoir???!!! Shame on those design people!

Norm

Originally Posted by mltyplx

Hey man, thanks a million for your response. I got that long flexible funnel today at WM along with a large container of P/S fluid. Added about 12 Oz. and now my steering works like brand new! Not a whisper of a sound and I figure that saved me at least fifty bucks by not having to go to a dealer. Only comment I have is what kind of a place is that to place any kind of reservoir???!!! Shame on those design people!

Norm

If I remember right my 78 Buick Skyhawk had the power steering pump mounted on the passenger side of the engine, that was back in the of rear wheel drive and longitudinal engine. The starter was on the drivers side above the subframe what a bear to get out, changed that out in Austin Tx with snow on the ground in 1985. Really don"t think GM moved alot of the major components over the life span of the years of the 3.8 liter/3800 series. Just wish I had the old Skyhawk with the series II/III engines. That would have been a blast with almost twice the HP.

Originally Posted by scottydoggs

i'd still keep a eye on it for leaks, all that fluid had to go somewhere, like it didn't evaporate, or burn off.

Yeah, I know you're prolly right about that. I'm hoping maybe the stop-leak component of the fluid I added might help that situation???

Originally Posted by max harris

If I remember right my 78 Buick Skyhawk had the power steering pump mounted on the passenger side of the engine, that was back in the of rear wheel drive and longitudinal engine. The starter was on the drivers side above the subframe what a bear to get out, changed that out in Austin Tx with snow on the ground in 1985. Really don"t think GM moved alot of the major components over the life span of the years of the 3.8 liter/3800 series. Just wish I had the old Skyhawk with the series II/III engines. That would have been a blast with almost twice the HP.

Yeah, that's about the only thing I'm missing with this car....the poop! ;+)
But at least for now that P/S is working like a charm! (Fingers crossed)