Power Sterring Pump/Transmission low pitch growl/whine

[RickNB]

Hi
I posted this over on the RVNet a couple of months ago before I found this wonderful resource for Workhorse owners a few of the responses over there stated it was normal for there units. Thought I would post here among the "Experts" .

It may not be anything but not being familiar with this chassis and transmission I am wondering if other owners have a whining sound like a hydraulic pump starving coming from what sounds like the transmission at low speeds like when in a parking lot. I thought at first it might be the power steering pump but it does it even when not turning the steering wheel and is definatly relational to engine speed. I will be taking the unit to the workhorse service dealer soon and just trying to get some info before they tell me that is normal for the unit.


Have fun
Rick

[RickNB]

Hi
I posted this over on the RVNet a couple of months ago before I found this wonderful resource for Workhorse owners a few of the responses over there stated it was normal for there units. Thought I would post here among the "Experts" .

It may not be anything but not being familiar with this chassis and transmission I am wondering if other owners have a whining sound like a hydraulic pump starving coming from what sounds like the transmission at low speeds like when in a parking lot. I thought at first it might be the power steering pump but it does it even when not turning the steering wheel and is definatly relational to engine speed. I will be taking the unit to the workhorse service dealer soon and just trying to get some info before they tell me that is normal for the unit.


Have fun
Rick

[DriVer]

RickNB,

Thank you so much for joining us here ... and welcome to iRV2.com

You are correct iRV2.com is the best resource for everything Workhorse.

I'm going to go with "Normal" unless otherwise informed by you after you visit the service center.

Please do come back and visit us often and please post frequently.

[tropical36]

I'm not sure which transmission you might have, but mine makes a noise something like you describe and appears to be a normal sound. I have the GM 4L80e tranny that is common with the P chassis.

[RickNB]

Tropical I have the Allison transmission

[tropical36]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RickNB:
Tropical I have the Allison transmission </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
It could still be a natural sound though. Time will tell, or you could get about three unbiased opinions, that hopefully will make you feel more comfortable with it. Keep us updated.

[RickNB]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tropical36:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by RickNB:
or you could get about three unbiased opinions, that hopefully will make you feel more comfortable with it. Keep us updated. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes three opinions would be nice simple yes or no my W22 with Allison does or does not whine growl at low speed.
Have Fun
Rick

[RickNB]

OK so I know that this is not a brake problem but there must be a couple of more Workhorse owners that can verify the problem that I have stated in the original post is a problem or normal.

[two2go]

I'm going from ignorance here, but my W22 makes the whining sound and it definitely increases when I steer. I had a "GM gearhead" friend ride with me, and he said the power steering and brakes are interconnected and work differently than "normal." He recommended draining the PS system and replacing the fluid with non-foaming PS fluid.
I have not followed this up, but my friend swears it has worked for him.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by two2go:
He recommended draining the PS system and replacing the fluid with non-foaming PS fluid.
I have not followed this up, but my friend swears it has worked for him. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>two2go, I researched the following:

CASTROL GT POWER STEERING FLUID IS RECOMMENDED FOR COMPLETE FLUID REPLACEMENT AND "TOP–UP" IN MOST CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS.

Helps prevent leaks, squeals, rust and corrosion.

Protects seals and hoses.
Smooths power steering operation.
Resists foaming tendency.
Provides excellent protection against fluid oxidation.
Exceeds performance requirements for Saginaw Pump, GM9985010 (Part No. 1050017 and 1052884), Chrysler MS-5931 (Hydroboost systems), Saab (Part No. 45-30 09-800) and Volkswagen TL-VW-570-26 (Part No. ZVW 239-902).

It would seem that there is a product out there that addresses the possibility that Power Steering Fluid PN 10552884 used in our motorhomes may be improved however I can't exactly state the properties of the PSF in our systems and whether or not it foams up. Looks to me that your friend made a valid point.

I have become so accustomed to my pumps whining sounds that if they were absent I would think there's something wrong.

[RickNB]

Hi DriVer

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I have become so accustomed to my pumps whining sounds that if they were absent I would think there's something wrong. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

DriVer can I assume then that your pumps whine and this is probably normal ?

Thanks
Rick

[Ding-a-ling]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by two2go:
.... but my W22 makes the whining sound and it definitely increases when I steer. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Sounds like my W24, too.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RickNB:
DriVer can I assume then that your pumps whine and this is probably normal ? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Rick, Quite honestly and this is my very best opinion, I believe that what you may be hearing is in fact normal.

That said, if you have any continuing concerns about your equipment please go and have it seen by a service center. I can assist you in locating one in your vicinity if that will help.

[two2go]

In case (1) it gets warm in CO, (2) I feel like it, and (3) I've got nothing better to do...
Does anyone have an idea on the best procedure to drain out the max. amount of PS fluid? And about how much I would need to replace?