Groaning sound when turning steering wheel

I hear weird groaning noises when I turn the steering wheel when stationary or moving slowly.

Is my steering pump going to die on me?

I checked the steering fluid and it's full.

Does it only make noise when you can't turn it anymore, like when you get to the furthest the steering wheel can turn too?

lower ball joints

My steering was noisy when the tie rod ends wore out, but having said that it was while the car was moving.

maz030 said:

Does it only make noise when you can't turn it anymore, like when you get to the furthest the steering wheel can turn too?

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No, it makes noise as I turn it.

I don't hear it when the car is moving faster than say 10 mph.

My guess is that the steering pump is starting to fail.

If you hear the noise when your not turning, it'll be a worn out belt tensioner.

CJ- said:

If you hear the noise when your not turning, it'll be a worn out belt tensioner.

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I don't hear the noise when not turning.

lower ball joints

Does it do it with the car off? Turn the key forward and crank on the steering wheel

RocketcarX said:

Does it do it with the car off? Turn the key forward and crank on the steering wheel

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I'll give that a try soon.

Any updates on this? Mine groans when turning hard left into a parking spot. Doesn't do it any other times.

I have 3 year old (about 5K miles) FRPP FCA's that came with balljoints.

MassMustang said:

Any updates on this? Mine groans when turning hard left into a parking spot. Doesn't do it any other times.

I have 3 year old (about 5K miles) FRPP FCA's that came with balljoints.

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Check the strut mounts

I will. Thanks

Mine started that after my son parked it in a parking lot that flooded. It's seems to do it only in cold weather, and hasn't done it recently.

dark steed said:

Mine started that after my son parked it in a parking lot that flooded. It's seems to do it only in cold weather, and hasn't done it recently.

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Interesting point as mine hasn't dine it recently since it warmed up.

I should've mentioned that I replaced the struts, springs and strut mounts (FRPP) last spring. So they're new. Everything seems torqued down properly.

Another thing you can do that is often overlooked is to replace the power steering fluid. It will break down and absorb moisture and contaminants over time, just like brake fluid or any other hydraulic fluid.

My power steering on my recently purchased work truck was a bit stiff and noisy at idle. It has hydraulic assisted brakes which also shares the same fluid as the power steering. I drained out as much as I could and refilled with Mercon VI (the recommended fluid for that vehicle). Replaced about 2 quarts of fluid. It was slightly better right away and within a week all noise was gone.