Power steering noises

This is likely normal, but there's two things to look at. First, if the noise is coming from the power steering pump itself, Chrysler's parts department has a cold weather power steering fluid. That was mainly used in trucks with diesel engines but they use the same type of pump in other models.

Another problem that only occurs in cold weather is the steering shaft sticks to and rubs on the rubber seal on the firewall. That rubbing noise was common enough that they produced a service bulletin that included the fix. It was mostly on Neons, not on other models, but again, other models use a similar design. The repair involved unbolting the hard rubber boot on the firewall, under the dash. That is lifted up out of the way, then you can use a curved tool such as a pick or cotter pin puller to pull the seal back just enough to spray in some grease. The best grease for this is "Spray White Lube". That's Chrysler's name for what they have in their parts department. It's a lithium-based grease that you can also find at hardware stores and auto parts stores. It goes on very juicy and runny. The liquid soaks into tight places and takes the grease with it, then that liquid evaporates and leaves the grease behind. Unlike other greases, this stuff won't travel so it won't stain the carpet. It works really well for door hinges too.

Let us know if either of my suggestions was the solution.

There's a pressure-relief valve in the outlet port of the power steering pump where the high-pressure hoses is attached. That valve is what makes the hissing noise you hear when the steering system is turned as far as possible, then more pressure is put on the steering wheel. The power steering fluid gets thicker when it's cold, so it has more resistance to flowing freely. More pressure may build up in the hose leading to that hissing or buzzing. If you want to pursue this, as a test I would suck out some of the fluid from the reservoir, then replace it with that cold-weather fluid. If the noise is reduced, consider flushing the system and adding only the cold-weather fluid.

Here's a link to an article that will provide more information:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

Good morning,

I would change the fluid as well. Old fluid will do this especially if it has some dirt or debris in the system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

Roy