Power steering question

[withac]

I've got a friend with a '99 Silverado, I know this is a Tahoe forum and this is the 2000+ section, but it's the '99 that has the 5.3 in it and he asked if I thought you guys could maybe help him out.

When he's at an idle the power steering is pretty much gone and there's a droning/growling not grinding type sound under the hood. When he revs it up the noise goes away and the steering is fine. Is it likely the ps pump or are there other things to check out as well?

Thanks

 

[withac]

bump

 

[HMFDZ28]

Check fluid level... if the fluid is topped off there is a good chance the pump is on its was out.

 

[withac]

thanks

 

[HMFDZ28]

No probs bro

 

[Thumper8302]

i was thinkin the same thing... like air in the lines....

 

[DDUB]

im gonna go with the p.s. pump mine has a slight whine to it as well... when i press on the gas it goes away..

 

[tahoe7689]

possibly the steering gearbox, it could be about to go, and when the engine is at idle it may have a very hard time turning the wheels if the gearbox is going bad (its hard to turn) when the engine revs it could give the pump enough power to overcome the failing gearbox. My brother's '00 silverado had this problem, I know your friend's truck is a '99 but it sounds like it could be the problem if checking the power steering pump didnt help.

 

[withac]

thanks, I'll pass that along