Strange Power steering noise
 

So the other day i got in my car (87 924S) and started it up. It was cold (about 35) so i sat there to let it warm up for a few minutes before backing down the driveway. As i started to back out, there was a sort of screeching noise every time i moved the wheel. I immediately shut the car off and looked at the power steering fluid. It had plenty of fluid, but i noticed that it was kind of foaming up and bubbling. I wasn't at home and i had to get it home, so i decided to go for it and drive it. As soon as i got out of the driveway and moving forward it was perfectly fine. it hasn't done this for about 2 days now but i'm still concerned. Could it have been from the cold weather? Or Water in the line or something? or maybe just a freak thing? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!

-Josh

If it is screeching with plenty fluid my first thought would be the pwr steering belt is loose/old. Maybe try to tighten the belt. Also, not a bad idea to replace the belt...

Sorry i forgot to mention that i did change the belt and tighten it up about two months ago, because that was my initial thought as well.

How old the pwr steering pump? That would be my next place to check.

I believe it to be original, the car has 73,000 on it. It ended up working as soon as i got out of the driveway though. Is there anything specific you can do to test the pump? thanks for your speedy reply by the way

I am not sure. I bet folks more knowledgeable than I am will chime in. I do know you can get a rebuild kit but I don't know how involved it is to rebuild.

You may just want to drive the car and wait for the noise to happen again. Then you can try to find out if it is the belt or pump. Anyone else???

It's possible the belt needs to be tightened more than you did. Deflection needs to be 5 mm which is pretty tight - same as the alternator belt.

The screech could also be down to air in the pump. You need to check the power steering reservoir level with the engine running. To work the air out you leave the engine running with the reservoir cap off and then turn the steering from lock to lock until no more air bubbles show in the fluid.

Screeching sound is from a belt. Groaning sounds are from lack of fluid or air mixed with fluid. Cold temperature makes the rubber hard and when you turn the wheel it puts a load on the belt causing it to slip and make that noise.

That's true enough. I found when my pump had air in it the drag on the system caused the belt to slip unless it was right on the money tension-wise.

Foaming and Bubbling = air in the PS rack.
Pull your PS rack to tie rods accordian dust covers. Did fluid pour out?

First, You are using ATF Dexron right? NO power steering fluid.
You should replace the PS reservoir also. The filter clogs ($20).
WYAIT-Update your return line to the "short" style and get a new straight fitting at the pump ($75-$100).

GL
John_AZ
1988 924S 58K + 1987 924S 112K DD

Yeah I guess it was probably air in it after reading these. Thanks a lot guys! Also, it had ATF in it, but i filled it up maybe a centimeter with PS fluid. the next day i read a thread that said not to us it :mad: i suppose that could also be the problem. Thanks a lot guys as soon as the weather improves im probably going to drain the tank and get new lines.

Do you mean something like this?

I have a few small drips at the bottom of the reservior, i get a slight groan while steering at low speeds (mostly parking). I have a little drip from under the reservoir but nothing from the pump or rack area. All the PS lines are old so I was going to replace the reservoir and hoses following Clark's instructions minus the actual pump replacement. Is there a kit already pre-packaged of all the various steering hoses and connectors or do I have to source them all separately?

No kit that I am aware of so get all from Pelican.

Thats it and you need the fitting 999-230-357-02 M260. The fitting may not come with a crush washer, I used one from the old fitting and it did not leak OR get the copper crush washer as well.

Get a PS reservoir from our sponsor at the same time-they have the best price.
They have a filter inside. Flush your rack before changing fluid and refill with Dexron auto transmission fluid.

$18.75 fir 928 347 015 05 M013

GL
John_AZ

Thanks, looks like I found most of what I need. I'm having trouble finding the crush washers on Pelican, though. 944online has this set here:
http://www.944online.com/cgi-bin/ASI_Store.cgi?Product+skukey_1178637502

What's the recommended flush?

That would be the kit but unless your plan to replace the rack banjo bolt copper sealing rings (4) you will have spent unnecessary money.

The part number from the PET is N 100 184 01 and costs $1.25 on Pelican

Next How to flush PS:
Read post 12

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=339279&highlight=Power+steering+f lush

Would you like the Porsche PET? Click on your car model:
http://www.*****************.com/

GL
John_AZ

There's some great info there, thanks again. Looks like I'm all set.

let me get this right.
the power steering should have dextron ATF in it, not power steering fluid???

From the WSM:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1232657090.jpg

GL
John_AZ

Wow! Quite the timely thread, as I've been hearing a similar noise from my 84.

I probably did this wrong, but here's what I did last night.

Removed the cap to the reservoir and then started the car. I had noticed the ATF fluid seemed a bit low, before starting it, so I filled it to the neck.

After starting it, I let it run for about 10 minutes, just to let everything warm up. Once warmed, I started to turn the wheel to the left, with the intent of taking it all the way to the left lock.

Almost immediately, I got the groaning noise and foam flowed from the open reservoir like lava from a volcano. I literally had to move the steering wheel just a little bit at a time in order to keep this from happening. Even little bits of turns would cause the foam to rise, so I stopped turning the wheel as soon as I saw movement. It actually took close to 30 minutes to get all the way to the left lock.

Once I made it to the left lock, I held it there for about 30 seconds and then started back towards the right lock. Surprisingly, there was not much groaning on the way back to center. Once I passed center, however, the groaning started again, but, it wasn't quite as bad on the way to the right lock. I think I got to the right lock in about 15 minutes.

I spent the next hour and a half or so going from left lock to right lock, each time, it seemed to produce less and less foam. I was able to get it to the point where I could turn fairly quickly from one lock to the other, with almost no groaning and/or foam...almost. If I slowed down with the turning, the groaning would return, as would the foam...simultaneously. I get it, groaning = foam! :)

John_AZ, after seeing your post above, I believe my next step will be to follow those instructions, starting the car and turning it off immediately, as I'm sure there is still quite a bit of air in the system.


Randy