Power steering whine, foaming fluid when engine cold. Normal when hot.

[sonick]

So recently I switched from generic Canadian Tire power steering fluid to Prestone Power Steering fluid which claims less groaning/moaning. But since then I've noticed that the first, maybe, 10 to 15 minutes of driving from a cold engine the power steering will groan like a bitch. And when I pop open the fluid reservoir, it's all foamy.

 

However, after 15 minutes or so, it warms up and the power steering is smooth and quiet, and the reservoir is foam free.

 

It also leaks PS Fluid fairly regularly, but I've read that is to be expected with these cars.

 

Any ideas if there's a way to fix this? Would getting PS stop-leak fluid be a good idea, or would it do more harm than good?

[1990lumina]

I'm not familiar with any normal power steering leaks on these cars. I know the return line on the early first gens has a weak point with one of the rubber lines (as my car showed this winter, but it exploded, didn't leak).

 

I'm going to go on a limb and say you need to bleed the system. Foaming fluid is from the pump whipping up the air trapped in the system and that's where you get the foamy/bubbley fluid.

 

Jack the from of the car up, and turn the wheel lock to lock MANY times withOUT the engine running. Make sure the level of fluid stays high in the tank. Once you start it after bleeding expect the level to drop a bit. If it is bled properly the groaning should go away - however if you don't fix the leak you'll get air in the system again if you accidentally run it out of fluid.

 

Any idea where your leak is coming from??

[1990lumina]

Oh, and I suggest once you fix the leak, flush the system and pick upa bottle of AC Delco Power Steering Fluid - "Cold Climate". It's the OEM fluid and IMO works the best - it's green in case you're wondering color.