Power Steering Pump

[944Toon]

Have posted something about this in the past but just getting around to sorting it now.

My power steering pump whines - and gets worse when wheel turned.

There's also a mechanical 'rattle' which has made me think there's worn metal parts in there (temporarily improved by adding tension to the belt which was a little slack).

However, anyone had a similar experience and could both the rattle and whine just be as a result of the sealing kit needing replacement (which would be an awful lot cheaper than replacing the pump)?

[968 GUY]

Is there enough fluid? Are you using Automatic trans fluid instead of power steering fluid? Is the fluid dirty or the filter worn out?
If the rattle lessoned when the belt was tightened, there may be some slop in the bushings.
Maybe loosen the belt to feel for slop.

[Gawernator]

Dexron III in case you didn't know

[944Toon]

Fluid all correct and topped up.

So if there is 'slop', the seal kit alone won't fix it then?

[VOTS89]

Originally Posted by 944Toon

Fluid all correct and topped up.

So if there is 'slop', the seal kit alone won't fix it then?

The seal kit keeps the fluid in, it won't correct noises. I agree with 968 Guy, worn bushings make noise. AND over tightening the belt just adds side load to the shaft and will make the bushing wear out even faster.

Did you let the fluid get too low and you got air in the system. If I remember correctly, these are vane type pumps with slippers and will make noise if you have air trapped in there. Try to replace as much of the fluid as you can. Do a search for the procedure on removing air from the system.

Rebuilding these pumps can be done but most who try won't be successful. I think this is one of those jobs that's best left to the experts.

Bruce

[944Toon]

I took another look at the resevoir and the fluid has now dropped to 1/2" below the dip stick. From the above feedback, I'm guessing that there could have been air in the system which has somehow now purged itself and caused the fluid level to drop? I topped up the fluid and the noise has now gone! So now I'm thinking back to the seals have failed and the system is leaking. I dont want to spend to much £ on this until I'm sure of the root cause so I have a used (but apparently seals okay) pump coming from a local breaker (UK) that I can put in whilst I check out the seals and look for metal wear on my own unit.

Sound like a good way forward?

[Gawernator]

Huzzah

[iplagolf]

Pull the guard from out under the engine and look at the pump. If the seals are bad there will be fluid flung all over the area. Search Youtube, there are several video clips showing how to rebuild the pump.