Power steering woes

[Majin325]

Power steering pump has been whining on a cold start the last few times I drove the car. I checked the fluid and it was a little low so I filled it and cleaned off the reservoir 2 days ago. Today when I get off work I hear the pump whine, then it stops, and my power steering is pretty much gone unless I rev the engine and it slightly comes back. I put in a rebuilt rack from a local autoparts store and rebuilt the pump with the seal kit. I did this about 2 years ago. I would say they have about 5000 miles on them. I have been using a Dexron III based transmission fluid in the reservoir.

The reservoir is covered in transmission fluid since I cleaned it off 2 days ago and the fluid is still full and the belt is tight.

Power steering pump failing? Something blocking the lines?

Here are some pictures.

[thomasryan]

there is a filter in the reservoir that may be clogged.

[Majin325]

I drained the reservoir and removed it from the car and checked the fluid flow. Fluid flows fine through it. I can move the fluid back and forth between the feed and return line so I don't think there is anything obstructing them.

I put the reservoir back in and left it empty, started the car and still the same. No sound from the power steering pump even when turning the wheel. I filled the reservoir about half way and didn't look like fluid was even being pumped through the lines. I'm assuming the pump has failed.

[djnolan]

Use a suction bulb to repeatedly drain out the reservoir and then pour fresh fluid in while the engine is running and see if it clears up. Fluid should be moving through the reservoir. If not maybe it is the pump or something in the rack?

[Majin325]

I did some searching and came across some forums about a collapsed hose from the reservoir to the pump. I will have to check that since I know that hose is still original and runs around the water pump.