Heavy steering

My steering was fine. I topped the reservoir up (to the top) with Dexron II instead of Dexron III. Since then, I noticed that the steering was a little heavier than it used to be. No noises or any other problems. Maybe just a coincidence, maybe the pump is ultra sensitive? Maybe something is about to fail? Maybe its a problem filling the reservoir all the way to the top. New belts, so not likely slippage. The slightly heavier steering is constant across all revs. No new leaks. Pump spins easily and no obvious bearing problem. I plan to lift up the front end and see how free the steering is. If its ok and I can push front wheels across easily, then maybe I just wait for something to self destruct? Only odd thing, is that lately, I get a scream from the engine at high revs approaching 3k when engine under load. No scream if I rev it flat chat in neutral when parked, but only get a scream when engine under load driving along. If I sit below 2.5k and drive like miss daisy no scream. I'm assuming its belt slip and maybe the tensioner needs replacing. Not sure if noise could be related to the steering pump however, unless its the pump that makes the scream at high revs?. But why would it scream when driving in a straight line but not scream when car sitting in driveway at >3k revs?

Jason F said:

Only odd thing, is that lately, I get a scream from the engine at high revs approaching 3k when engine under load. No scream if I rev it flat chat in neutral when parked, but only get a scream when engine under load driving along. If I sit below 2.5k and drive like miss daisy no scream. I'm assuming its belt slip and maybe the tensioner needs replacing. Not sure if noise could be related to the steering pump however, unless its the pump that makes the scream at high revs?. But why would it scream when driving in a straight line but not scream when car sitting in driveway at >3k revs?

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I can't comment on the steering, but if you have a TD5, the scream is almost certainly a warped exhaust manifold and probably a snapped stud or two. The scream comes from the exhaust gas going through the gap between the manifold and head which is obviously greater when under load. Happened on mine and probably most TD5s.

Good luck!

PopPops said:

I can't comment on the steering, but if you have a TD5, the scream is almost certainly a warped exhaust manifold and probably a snapped stud or two. The scream comes from the exhaust gas going through the gap between the manifold and head which is obviously greater when under load. Happened on mine and probably most TD5s.

Good luck!

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@PopPops is right, the scream does sound like a belt slipping.
Was changing from Dex111 to Dex 11 the ONLY thing you changed?

Check double cardon joint on front prop these can scream when on way out and only do it under load sounds similar to exhaust manifold leaking

Thanks everyone. I cannot imagine that adding some Dexron II would have a dramatic effect. Recently, The tensioner snapped off. The alternator lower bolt had snapped earlier and was allowing the alternator to flop up and down. This put extra stress on the tensioner, apparently, causing the stud to snap off also. Replaced studs, new belts. Tensioner looks fine so I re-used it. Just maybe, the tensioner has been over stressed and needs replacing ? I'm going to replace the tensioner to see if belt slip. Hoping that's all it is. Seems I'm replacing tensioners as often as the belts !!! (about every 2 years). Not cheap. If no improvement, its off to the experts and lots more expense to investigate.