So what's the Problem?

Mmk. so my pickup has been making the whirring noise that usually signals that a power steering pump is going out, I've known about it, and i've just been too busy and broke that I put it off. Now it has evolved to the whirring noise with a growling that usually means that the bearing are shot, but i'm not so sure its the PS pump, may actually be the water pump.

My only sign that its the PS pump is the fact that the noise is louder when I'm near the passenger wheel than on the driver's side. It doesnt lose fluid or anything.

I'm hoping its the PS pump, cuz hey I can do that in my parking lot. Water Pump not so much....PS pump is a loooooot cheaper for me too

Anyway, say it is the PS pump, should i replace anything else while I'm at it? I just replaced every drive belt like 3k miles ago. I'm thinking I'll just replace the PS pump and pulley, and the tensioner pulley since I didnt do that when I did my belts.

Any help would be appreciated guys

I'm not an expert with mechanical stuff, but i can handle this. I usually just make em look pretty

 

Have you ever replaced the A/C idler ?

That's one of the first things that goes bad & squeels on the 1st gen trucks (3.4L anyway).

It's the little idler at the lowest part of the truck. Easy fix....and costs like $35 or so from the dealer.

If you can locate the proper bearings, you can easily press-out the old bearings and press-in new ones. The key is...finding the proper bearings. I tried this myself and the bearings I was given (at bearing shop) couldn't handle the rpm's and all the grease oozed out within a day. So I ended up taking it out and buying the OEM part.

I would take the A/C belt off and spin the A/C idler by hand. If you can feel any rough spots in it, then most likely that's your problem (or should be replaced anyway).

 

I guess I didnt even consider that. I always think PS/Water pump. AC is also on the Passenger side. will attempt to take the belt off this weekend, that is if the 13 inches of snow we're supposed to get doesn't happen

 

Ok. So I decided to have it checked out, All ulleys and bearings are good. they said its something behind the timing cover. Cam Gear? I really pray to god its simple and not damaged

 

Not since I've owned it.....yeah....might wanna get on that

 

when you replace the timing belt do the water pump too, since you have to take off the timing belt to get to the water pump and the water pump probably will need to be replaced soon too. it will save you in labor in the long run.