Hello. I drive a 2004 Intrepid. About 6 months ago, it started making a really loud humming sound upon a cold start up that would go away after about 10 seconds. Since the weather has been colder recently, the buzzing sound now lasts up to 10 minutes. The noise is so loud that my neighbors look over. Yet, when the engine gets warm, the noise stops. Then, If I start it again while the engine is still warm, it doesn't make any noise at all. Only happens when the engine is cold. I've heard people say belt, I've heard people say power steering pump, have heard some say both. Any ideas?
Could be belt and or Power Steering Pump.Try steering when it is noisy, does the noise change?
Check/adjust belt. Change P/S fluid. Suck out the fluid with a "turkey baster" replace with ATF+4. This will change "some" of the fluid. Take it for a ride and do it again, maybe even a few times. That will replace most of the fluid and blend in fresh stuff.
If the steering pump is making noise - might be low on fluid. Use a turkey baster (from dollar store) to suck out the old fluid (as much as possible) and install new power steering fluid. Turn the wheel left / right a few times to ensure fluid is moved through the system (while motor is on), then fill to proper level.
Then, check the belt or replace. It could be glazed and once slightly warm, the belt stops squealing.
Changed the power steering fluid with ATF+4 (didn't even know you could do that) and so far so good. Haven't started it cold yet but it's already much quieter than previously. Thank you very much for the help.
1 year later, buzzing sound again. This time I baste out the old ATF4 that was being used as power steering fluid, replaced it with ATF4 from the same bottle I used last year. This worked fine, the noise is gone. I'm wondering, however, if it's normal for ATF4 being used as power steering fluid to get really dirty after 1 year. ATF4 out of the bottle is cherry red. The ATF4 that I basted out was mud brown. Is this normal?
From your first post "after it gets warm - the buzzing sound goes away" The fluid might be too thick for the pump, or the pump may have a heavy clog in it. Just a thought.
I would keep changing the fluid out once the noise comes back. This is not normal. Seeing "mud brown" for fluid indicates it is getting "worked" or the system is real dirty.
ATF4 is Chrysler's choice for the power steering fluid.
Most of my cars have that sound at startup when winter rolls around and goes away in the spring.
My 2000 Intrepid would make awful noises when cold. If I remember correctly the issue is that the old non replaceable filter on to of the PS pump gets clogged. I think you cleaned everything out with the detergent properties of ATF. Hence the yucky color. BTW It is a very tough job replacing the PS pump but it can be done. Chechen that fluid and hope.
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