Ever since I bought my 97 Park Ave (Base Model with Gran Touring Package) 15 years ago (with 50K miles on it at that time) it's had this problem.
For first 5-15 minutes after starting my 97 Park Ave, the power steering moans a little bit when NOT turning the steering wheel, and moans a lot when turning the steering wheel.
I changed from old stock AC Delco power steering fluid (PSF) to new Lucas PSF. That helped a little, but not enough. It still moaned. Then I changed to new Idemitsu PSF. That helped a little more, but not enough, it sill moans.
It stops moaning when car is partially warmed up. After 5-15 minutes there's no more moaning.
I recently read a post by @BuickGirlFromMars in which she said: "2003 and older park avenue have too small ps return line and pressure/not shaped well enough so if you have assist slow, but a tiny bit of rpm helps, you need lines not a pump /rack."
I'm wondering why my power steering pump moans and what I can do about it? Could it be caused by too small of a return line? If I installed a larger diameter return line, would I also need to install larger diameter hose fittings? If so, what would I need to do to install larger fittings? Would I have to install a different resevoir from a later model Park Ave?
Please provide as much detailed advice as possible. I'm an amatueur DIY person. If necessary, I could pass on instructions/advice from forum to my mechanic. He said he would appreciate advice on the above topic from Park Ave experts/enthusiasts.
For first 5-15 minutes after starting my 97 Park Ave, the power steering moans a little bit when NOT turning the steering wheel, and moans a lot when turning the steering wheel.
I changed from old stock AC Delco power steering fluid (PSF) to new Lucas PSF. That helped a little, but not enough. It still moaned. Then I changed to new Idemitsu PSF. That helped a little more, but not enough, it sill moans.
It stops moaning when car is partially warmed up. After 5-15 minutes there's no more moaning.
I recently read a post by @BuickGirlFromMars in which she said: "2003 and older park avenue have too small ps return line and pressure/not shaped well enough so if you have assist slow, but a tiny bit of rpm helps, you need lines not a pump /rack."
I'm wondering why my power steering pump moans and what I can do about it? Could it be caused by too small of a return line? If I installed a larger diameter return line, would I also need to install larger diameter hose fittings? If so, what would I need to do to install larger fittings? Would I have to install a different resevoir from a later model Park Ave?
Please provide as much detailed advice as possible. I'm an amatueur DIY person. If necessary, I could pass on instructions/advice from forum to my mechanic. He said he would appreciate advice on the above topic from Park Ave experts/enthusiasts.
Last edited:
