Low speed noise...sounds like power steering
#1
Low speed noise...sounds like power steering
Have a 2013 Eco platinum 4x4...sometimes sitting still or taking off I hear a noise that sounds like a power steering pump that's low on oil. Although it sounds like a ps pump...you don't have to be turning the wheel..it's also intermittent
#4
Senior Member
Me too just today. I posted this on the steering popping thread initially.
Here is a new one. I have 61000 km and just today I feel when driving slow 10 to 15 kmh (6 to 12 mph), and slightly to left and straighten a GROWL and can feel it in the steering wheel also. Growl is about 30 hertz with varying intensities. Sound a little like the classic low on power steering fluid sound but doesn't vary in frequency just intensity. This is on smooth surface also. It is initiated by moving the steering wheel from 12 to 9 or 10 o'clock and back to 12. No rattles or other symptoms like everybody else here. Temperature outside: damn cold. Tires: winter tires slightly over inflated to prevent side wear (38.5 lb.) I felt it, turned radio off and can hear it also. No problems above those speeds. Weird.
Here is a new one. I have 61000 km and just today I feel when driving slow 10 to 15 kmh (6 to 12 mph), and slightly to left and straighten a GROWL and can feel it in the steering wheel also. Growl is about 30 hertz with varying intensities. Sound a little like the classic low on power steering fluid sound but doesn't vary in frequency just intensity. This is on smooth surface also. It is initiated by moving the steering wheel from 12 to 9 or 10 o'clock and back to 12. No rattles or other symptoms like everybody else here. Temperature outside: damn cold. Tires: winter tires slightly over inflated to prevent side wear (38.5 lb.) I felt it, turned radio off and can hear it also. No problems above those speeds. Weird.
#5
Me too just today. I posted this on the steering popping thread initially.
Here is a new one. I have 61000 km and just today I feel when driving slow 10 to 15 kmh (6 to 12 mph), and slightly to left and straighten a GROWL and can feel it in the steering wheel also. Growl is about 30 hertz with varying intensities. Sound a little like the classic low on power steering fluid sound but doesn't vary in frequency just intensity. This is on smooth surface also. It is initiated by moving the steering wheel from 12 to 9 or 10 o'clock and back to 12. No rattles or other symptoms like everybody else here. Temperature outside: damn cold. Tires: winter tires slightly over inflated to prevent side wear (38.5 lb.) I felt it, turned radio off and can hear it also. No problems above those speeds. Weird.
Here is a new one. I have 61000 km and just today I feel when driving slow 10 to 15 kmh (6 to 12 mph), and slightly to left and straighten a GROWL and can feel it in the steering wheel also. Growl is about 30 hertz with varying intensities. Sound a little like the classic low on power steering fluid sound but doesn't vary in frequency just intensity. This is on smooth surface also. It is initiated by moving the steering wheel from 12 to 9 or 10 o'clock and back to 12. No rattles or other symptoms like everybody else here. Temperature outside: damn cold. Tires: winter tires slightly over inflated to prevent side wear (38.5 lb.) I felt it, turned radio off and can hear it also. No problems above those speeds. Weird.
I'm having the same issue with my 2012. My truck has 61,000 miles and I've taken it to the dealer to have it looked over. Though, they claim that they couldn't find anything amiss. This doesn't surprise me since "unusual" sounds are not to be covered under warranty (I have the Ford ESP to 100K miles) in any event. Likewise, I only experience this sound when it's cold out - below 30 degrees F, and only after a cold startup and at low speeds. Last weekend we had near 60 degree weather in the DC area and I had no issues, so clearly a cold weather related issue. The grinding or growling sound is not present once the truck has really warmed up.
#6
I had this happen to my 12 as well with 64k miles and cold weather. I replaced both of my 4x4 actuators and the growling went away. I think water had contaminated the grease in the actuators and cold weather froze it, making the actuator unable to fully retract from the hub.
I can still feel a slight hum or buzz through the steering wheel but I think it's due to my slightly aggressive LT all season tires. As a test, turn on your 4x4 and see if the noise goes away, that's what did it for me. If the noise is gone in 4x4 it's one or both of your actuators. They are relatively easy to replace, just be sure to disconnect your battery or pull the EPAS fuse before starting to avoid damaging the sensitive electronics in side.
I can still feel a slight hum or buzz through the steering wheel but I think it's due to my slightly aggressive LT all season tires. As a test, turn on your 4x4 and see if the noise goes away, that's what did it for me. If the noise is gone in 4x4 it's one or both of your actuators. They are relatively easy to replace, just be sure to disconnect your battery or pull the EPAS fuse before starting to avoid damaging the sensitive electronics in side.
#7
Senior Member
I will try that, I usually use 4x4 AUTO, rarely lock in 4x4. I think the growling occurred after using the 4x4 AUTO. I heard it faintly this morning but nothing for the rest of the day. It will be a little warmer on Saturday, so I will give it a shot in both auto and full 4x4. Maybe 4x4 LO also.
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#9
Retired and loving it!
Our 2012 makes the same noise others here are describing. On ours, it makes the noise only at low speeds, and only when the steering wheel is turned slightly to the right.
The dealer's mechanic was able to hear the noise, and replaced the RF constant velocity joint -- to no affect. The dealer has asked me to return so that they can listen to it again.
I am almost convinced it has to do with the EPAS, but we'll see what they say when I am able to take it in again.
Thanks for those who suggested putting it in 4WD to see if the noise goes away. I will try that.
The dealer's mechanic was able to hear the noise, and replaced the RF constant velocity joint -- to no affect. The dealer has asked me to return so that they can listen to it again.
I am almost convinced it has to do with the EPAS, but we'll see what they say when I am able to take it in again.
Thanks for those who suggested putting it in 4WD to see if the noise goes away. I will try that.
#10
Senior Member
Yes it still does the sound on Saturday as it was warmer, but only after about 30 minutes driving stop and go. And yes when turning slightly to the right while moving slowly. So it is a moving slowly forward while steering violation. Next step is to try in in 4x4 lock, not auto and not on dry pavement. More news at eleven.