Picked up an 09 M1123 and the power steering is wonky

[TNDRIVER]

2009 M1123 6.5 NA 4L80E in very good running condition. No leaks, none. Zero

The only problem I'm having with it is the power steering feels very much like it has air in the system/low on fluid- however the black lunar lander fluid reservoir typically near the fuel filter on the top of the engine is..just not there. There are no plugged lines, no leaks, and the lines to the steering box are hooked up. Truck definitely has *some* power steering as you can turn the wheel with one finger, but it makes about a quarter turn and then increases resistance then goes back to easy, in a pulsing pattern while you turn the wheel. Exactly like it's got air in it. The pump seems to be present under the 200a alternator, following the hoses did not reveal any reservoir to add/check fluid. Perhaps they updated the system and it's buried somewhere less than obvious? All the 2016+ trucks I have access to at work have the black reservoir right on top.

Like I said, absolutely no leaks or plugged dangling lines. Please advise

Can't hold my breath any longer, did you get your wonky fixed???

 

[sp00n]

Can't hold my breath any longer, did you get your wonky fixed???

It fixed itself after I put some miles on it. Must've had air in the system, Ive been keeping an eye on the fluid levels

 

[Thumper580]

I have a 2000 M1123 with the built in PS reservoir, not the remote. The PS level is right on the cold mark in the morning. It seems whine noticeable.. Almost obnoxious. Maybe it will go away with time or should I open the PS cap and turn the wheels left and right to see if there is any air trapped somewhere??? Definitely a noticeable whining sound.

 

[Milcommoguy]

I have a 2000 M1123 with the built in PS reservoir, not the remote. The PS level is right on the cold mark in the morning. It seems whine noticeable.. Almost obnoxious. Maybe it will go away with time or should I open the PS cap and turn the wheels left and right to see if there is any air trapped somewhere??? Definitely a noticeable whining sound.

Any chance it could be the Cadillac valve gremlins trying to get out?

Gremlins under the hood, CAMO

 

[Thumper580]

Any chance it could be the Cadillac valve gremlins trying to get out?

Gremlins under the hood, CAMO

Will the Cadillac valve get noisy if it's unhappy or dying?

 

[Milcommoguy]

Most, when fan clutch is disengaged have a high pitched ultrasonic sound that can be conducted to it's mount, amplified by the foot well shelf...

Intermittent detection due to fan cycling on or off.

Squeaks, rattles and clunks, CAMO

 

[Thumper580]

Most, when fan clutch is disengaged have a high pitched ultrasonic sound that can be conducted to it's mount, amplified by the foot well shelf...

Intermittent detection due to fan cycling on or off.

Squeaks, rattles and clunks, CAMO

Wonder if I could put a 1/4" rubber pad between the Cadillac valve and the aluminum body panel if it would quiet things down???

 

[Maxjeep1]

Wonder if I could put a 1/4" rubber pad between the Cadillac valve and the aluminum body panel if it would quiet things down???

Get a 6 1/8” long piece of rubber 2” wide and wrap it. I was amazed at the difference.

 

[Thumper580]

Get a 6 1/8” long piece of rubber 2” wide and wrap it. I was amazed at the difference.

Something like a strip of inner tube?

 

[Maxjeep1]

Something like a strip of inner tube?

I used a thicker rubber from another project but inner tube will work but probably 6” long.

 

[Mogman]

Before going through all the trouble make sure it is the Cadillac valve, the "noise" will change between the fan running and not, you can simply unplug the wires from the valve to activate the fan, if the noise stays the same it is not the valve.

 

[Thumper580]

Before going through all the trouble make sure it is the Cadillac valve, the "noise" will change between the fan running and not, you can simply unplug the wires from the valve to activate the fan, if the noise stays the same it is not the valve.

It's not the fan engaging... I know what that sound is. This is a whining sound. Not a serpentine belt sound, either. Slightly higher frequency sound. The Cadillac valve is working OK... Like CAMO said it may be making a high frequency/ultrasonic sound that insulating may help dampen.

 

[Mogman]

It's not the fan engaging... I know what that sound is. This is a whining sound. Not a serpentine belt sound, either. Slightly higher frequency sound. The Cadillac valve is working OK... Like CAMO said it may be making a high frequency/ultrasonic sound that insulating may help dampen.

If the cadillac valve is making noise it will change when the valve turns on the fan, the noise will not stay the same is what I am trying to say.

 

[Thumper580]

If the cadillac valve is making noise it will change when the valve turns on the fan, the noise will not stay the same is what I am trying to say.

This whining sound is constant...

 

[Mainsail]

This whining sound is constant...

A popular joke in the C141 community goes like this:

What's the difference between the C5 crew members and the C5 engines?

The engines stop whining when they block in.

Is there any possibility you're hearing the turbo?

 

[Thumper580]

A popular joke in the C141 community goes like this:

What's the difference between the C5 crew members and the C5 engines?

The engines stop whining when they block in.

Is there any possibility you're hearing the turbo?

No turbo.... 6.5L NA

 

[Mogman]

Just make sure your fluid is topped of and give it a little time, it sometimes takes awhile to get all the entrained air out of the fluid.
Does it change when you steer the truck?

 

[Thumper580]

Just make sure your fluid is topped of and give it a little time, it sometimes takes awhile to get all the entrained air out of the fluid.
Does it change when you steer the truck?

I'll have to drive it again and pay attention as to where it is or if it changes at all. Right I think it's all the time, but I'll focus on various driving conditions.