first off, i have a 91 trans am l98 (350 tpi). anyways, the power steering pump has been making A LOT of noise during cold start up (start up occurs around 10 to 20 degrees fareinhiet).

so i checked the fluid, and it smells like psfluid (and its full) but theres a bunch of bubbles (almost looks like foam) at the top of the resivoir.

my question is; whats going on with my pump? i'll get it flushed, but is that the only problem?

thanks guys, i really appreciate it,
mike

 

The bubbles indicate air is getting into the system. Check for leaks, especially on the pressure side hose. Make sure the clamps (if present) on the return side are tight. Make sure the hoses are in good condition. Let the car sit overnight, then check the fluid level. Once you verify that it is full, go out to a parking lot, with lots of room, drive slowly while turning the steering from lock, to lock. (you can do this sitting still, but, run the possibility of scrubbing a flat spot on the bottom of the tire. also, doing this while moving releives some of the strain on the pump....)

See what happens.

 

cool, thanks man, i dont think i could have asked for any better of an answer.

i did notice however, today i started it, and it didn't make any noise at all, but this was the first morning the temp was above 10 degrees lol.

oh, also, when i turn to lock and drive, the steering kind of makes a clunking noise, and i can feel it in my steering wheel. any ideas?

 

Cold *** chevy powersteering pump. - hows that for an answer?

when it gets below 20 deg here i notice my car is a little slow at turning the wheel, and occationaly what seems like a small clunk sound..