power steering just quit...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Florida
power steering just quit...
I have a 74 coupe 350. The car has a small p/s leak at one of the lines I haven't gotten to yet. I noticed the steering was a little stiff so I filled the pump to proper level and now it's like it doesn't have anything. Ususally the wheels will go to the right when low and filled but I got nothing. The pump is whining a little but not like when it's empty. Thinking of pulling the pump and replacing(has a lifetime warranty) but looking for any info first . The fluid does have a little pink foam but I'm clueless--I have to really bear down on the wheel to turn the wheels at all. It did pull to the right a couple of times at first and now nothing.
Any thoughts are really appreciated
Thanks
Frank
Any thoughts are really appreciated
Thanks
Frank
Last edited by my.yellow.74; Sep 25, 2009 at 02:31 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Dimondale Mich
The pink foam is air and fluid mixture, it sounds like the pump is cavitating due to low fluid. It's possible that the vanes got burnt, but these pumps are made for hard use. Before changing the pump I would make sure the fluid is full and all air is bled out. It cost less doing that before buying a new pump....it's just my opinion from pervious experiences.......
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Florida
Yeah I tried bleeding with front end on stands. Seem to gotten all the air and it seemed ok in the air but on the ground it's very very stiff unless rolling at a good speed. No power assist at all in a parking lot. Gonna replace the pump since it will be free. Could the control valve be suspect you think?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Typically if you have assist one direction and not the other, the problem is in the control valve or assist ram because the pump doesn't know which way you are turning.
If you have no power assist either direction, most likely the problem is in the pump itself.
It is possible to have a broken pump driveshaft inside the pump. The pulley and belt will keep things in place and looking like they are OK but there will be no assist. Remove the pump from the car and the pulley with part of the driveshaft will slide right out of the pump.
One other possible problem could be a stuck flow control valve.
Jim
If you have no power assist either direction, most likely the problem is in the pump itself.
It is possible to have a broken pump driveshaft inside the pump. The pulley and belt will keep things in place and looking like they are OK but there will be no assist. Remove the pump from the car and the pulley with part of the driveshaft will slide right out of the pump.
One other possible problem could be a stuck flow control valve.
Jim
