2001 LS V8 Sport Power Steering chatter

[MikeJMoss]

I am searching for answers.
I own a 2001 LS V8 Sport which I purchased in the summer had no problems but in the winter noticed power steering chatter.
I have brought my car in to the dealer several times regarding cold start steering chatter. This goes away after a min or two of warm up. The dealer says this is normal for these cars. They added synth to the power fluid, replaced the pump etc. Still have the problem I hear that some LS owners had a new rack put in and have had no problems since.

:L

 

[eL eS]

Hey Mike. Most of the folks I have heard of having the problem owned 04 models. I checked the TSBs for your year and did not see anything listed for this issue. Have you lifted the hood while the sound was occuring? I ask becasue I am curious if it might be the belt. as far as this being normal this is news to me; I have been speaking to owners for nearly 5 years and I dont think this issue has come up until the 04/05s came out.

Welcome to LvC... I think you will find yourself at home here becasue there are several members from the chicago area. enjoy your stay.

 

[eL eS]

here is a symptom chart.

 

[jdsimons]

I am searching for answers.
I own a 2001 LS V8 Sport which I purchased in the summer had no problems but in the winter noticed power steering chatter.
I have brought my car in to the dealer several times regarding cold start steering chatter. This goes away after a min or two of warm up. The dealer says this is normal for these cars. They added synth to the power fluid, replaced the pump etc. Still have the problem I hear that some LS owners had a new rack put in and have had no problems since.

:L

Hey thats weird i thought it was just me being overcritical.. But mine seems to kind feel like the wheels are out of balance for like the first few miles and then after i drive around for ahile it goes away.. And was the tires are perfectly balanced. Had em checked out from a friend who runs a tire shop and said they are dead on.... Wonder what cause that..

 

[lsbit]

Hey thats weird i thought it was just me being overcritical.. But mine seems to kind feel like the wheels are out of balance for like the first few miles and then after i drive around for ahile it goes away..

Whoa... same here. I figure it is the tires though.

 

[kleetus]

Yeah, i'll chime in here too... I notice it when it's cold and you turn sharp, the steering wheel has a little vibration to it if you put a little torque to it. once you're back straight, it's fine. I'd suggest it might be the vanes in the pump, and you can feel each pulse of fluid, as it exists the pump, although the speed should be much faster. These cars have some form of a variable pressure valve for the steering assist, right? Maybe that valve is starting to go. Another possibility is the fluid itself could be going bad, as in the viscosity isn't remaining as constant as it should with the additive package. That could help explain the temperature making this more apparent. You guys and myself all live in the fairly north so we see cold, like under 30 degrees, and I'm betting that's when you see this the most, right?