Power steering pump?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2017
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Power steering pump?
I tried to search but it returned no results? I find that hard to believe...
Anyway, 1988 C4. When I start the car in the morning or after sitting at work all day the power steering pump is making the loud laboring noise and the steering is very stiff. Fluid levels are fine. This just started in the last couple of days. Once the car warms up, about a mile or so of driving and the noise and steering problems are gone. Is it time to replace the pump? If so how much of a problem is that, as in the past mine were all closed systems (reseviour was attached to the pump, not a separate component). Thanks in advance
Anyway, 1988 C4. When I start the car in the morning or after sitting at work all day the power steering pump is making the loud laboring noise and the steering is very stiff. Fluid levels are fine. This just started in the last couple of days. Once the car warms up, about a mile or so of driving and the noise and steering problems are gone. Is it time to replace the pump? If so how much of a problem is that, as in the past mine were all closed systems (reseviour was attached to the pump, not a separate component). Thanks in advance
Team Owner
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I would suggest that you flush out all of the old PS fluid and replace it with Red Line Synthetic Power Steering Fluid. Could be that the old fluid has enough dirt and sludge that its causing the problem.
Is there any indication of the serp belt slipping? Could be that the belt has stretched or the belt tensioner has become weak and will not provide enough tension so the belt slips on the PS pulley.
Is there any indication of the serp belt slipping? Could be that the belt has stretched or the belt tensioner has become weak and will not provide enough tension so the belt slips on the PS pulley.
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Joined: Dec 2016
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I would suggest that you flush out all of the old PS fluid and replace it with Red Line Synthetic Power Steering Fluid. Could be that the old fluid has enough dirt and sludge that its causing the problem.
Is there any indication of the serp belt slipping? Could be that the belt has stretched or the belt tensioner has become weak and will not provide enough tension so the belt slips on the PS pulley.
Is there any indication of the serp belt slipping? Could be that the belt has stretched or the belt tensioner has become weak and will not provide enough tension so the belt slips on the PS pulley.
This is what I would try too. My pump was leaking a lot so it was replaced. It will make noise if the fluid is below the return hole in the bottle, but if it feels like the power steering is not working the belt could be slipping until it warms up. How old is the belt? Fluid replacement is good PM for the rack too.
Last edited by jetskibruce; Sep 22, 2017 at 11:59 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 144
Likes: 13
I would suggest that you flush out all of the old PS fluid and replace it with Red Line Synthetic Power Steering Fluid. Could be that the old fluid has enough dirt and sludge that its causing the problem.
Is there any indication of the serp belt slipping? Could be that the belt has stretched or the belt tensioner has become weak and will not provide enough tension so the belt slips on the PS pulley.
Is there any indication of the serp belt slipping? Could be that the belt has stretched or the belt tensioner has become weak and will not provide enough tension so the belt slips on the PS pulley.
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 65
Likes: 3
The pulley on the pump runs is smooth and runs of the side of the belt opposite of the grooves. If the belt is older and shiny it could easily slip until the rubber heats up a bit just like cold tires slip. I have used a product called belt dressing which makes the belt sticky and can help find a problem but I don't think it is the best solution. Either way a fluid flush will be good for the system, but as mentioned by c4cruiser you may need a belt and / or tensioner.
