Hi, was not sure what section to put this in.

I have about 23,000 on my 04 2500HD DMAX and for some time I have had a groaning when I turn the steering wheel when going slow.

It normally only happens after I drive for at least 30 miles or more. I have had it to the dealer and they said that they could not recreate the problem. I may have to take a day off and then drive it for a while and take it in.

I wanted to see if any others have had this same groaning sound while turning.

Thanks in advance.

I have the same problem , but it doesn't take much driving before it occurs. I have had it for probably at least for the last 10000 miles and it does seem like it has gotten a little worse. I'm looking for an answer too. BTW, I have 56000 miles on my truck.

I have had it happen occasionally but only when making a slow speed turn. Not talking about being up against the stop but like backing into my driveway while manuvering and braking.... I'll get a short groan .... I think it has to do with the brake assist but not sure.....Bill

I have a 2005HD and it only has 2500 miles on it and I also have the same driveway problem. I have just gotten used to it.

I had this problem on my 03. I replaced the serp belt with a new gatorback and also replace the tensioner) and the noise went away. I also changed the power steering fluid and added the lucas additive. Don't know which helped more but I have not had any "groans" since then.

My '04 does that too and has done it from the beginning. I notice it as well when turning slow in a parking lot. It reminds me of my ole Ford Escort which usually meant it was low on power steering fluid. Fluids are fine on my truck and guess I won't worry about it.

i had the same problem and change my fluid to synt dextron3 royal purple and it stop doing what you are saying...my truck is a 2004 dmax with 58,000 miles.

The problem is:

The steering shaft eats up lube for some reason. I had that problem too. There is a TSB for it, gimme a minute and I'll find it. I have 26000 miles and it started doing it at around 22 and only with the trailer hooked up. Sad thing is, I got the steering shaft replaced and I got home, 15 miles later, was backing into the driveway and what do I hear, same thing. I was a bit discusted......Let me find that TSB..

Here it is gents....

http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3325&highlight=steering+shaft

thanks for the replies it appears that this is a common issue.

Unit453, I think that the TSB is for the Steering rattle that you feel through the steering wheel this is more of a groan when you turn the wheels going at a low speed.

maybe I will change the fluid and see what happens.

Thanks again Fellas

I had this problem on my 03. I replaced the serp belt with a new gatorback and also replace the tensioner) and the noise went away. I also changed the power steering fluid and added the lucas additive. Don't know which helped more but I have not had any "groans" since then.
I did the intermediate shaft lube procedure and it didn't help. I have also replaced my belt as well. I think mine may be the tensioner or low on fluid. I know the tensioners have been known to go bad. I also noticed that the tensioner does seem to bounce and vibrate quite a bit.

Mine was like a grinding noise when I turned tight or backed up. Especially when I had a loaded trailer hooked up. Backing up with the trailer, as you gents know requires alot of tight turning of each direction. Anyways, I had the steering shaft replaced and it didnt help a thing.

Mine has started doing the same thing. I think I am going to take mine in and have it looked at. Not sure but as others have stated only does it when turning slowly or backing up. Might be low on fluid or might have something to do with larger tires. I read that some people were having that problem.. I will post the results.

Count me in on that noise as well. It only does it when hot and during a turn to the left, usually on a slow speed turn. I put an additive in the fluid but it didn't help. May change the fluid to a syn and see what happens. Be interesting to know what the cause really is.

Added fluid to mine this morning and I think it may have solved the problem. Seems like I may have lubed the intermediate steering shaft unnecessarily. Guess I overlooked the obvious. But if it does start doing it again, then I'll consider the tensioner, since it does seem to be vibrating a lot.