Powering steering woes
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 85
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From: Selbyville Delaware
Powering steering woes
Broke down and replaced power steering pump. Bled the system as recommended--jacked up car and turned steering wheel back and forth 20 times. Still had a modest amount of shudder so jacked up car and turned steering back and forth 40 times. No bubbles or milk color. Now car is not driveable because shudder and whine are so severe. Reservoir is full. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 85
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From: Selbyville Delaware
How can I be sure its the remanufactured pump and not an obstruction in the flow of fluid through the cooler or the rack and pinion. I called the dealer and they indicated that a new pump is no longer available for '90 vette (not zr1). What brand/supplier would you recommend for a remanufactured pump. Don't want to think about replacing the pump again.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 550
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From: Hesperia California
Man I can feel your pain. I just replaced mine the same time I replaced the heater core in my 89. 
Double pita!
I bought mine through GM. It also is a rebuilt. I also ordered all the hoses from Ecklers before I did the job.
I read in my manual or some place to fill the reservoir and then turn the pump backwards to prime it. When I did, I saw or heard nothing. I just kept turning it for a while anyways. When I started the car and turned the wheels from side to side, I heard or felt nothing. I had power steering immediately. the car drives fine. Go figure!
Maybe someone will respond about turning the pump backwards. I can not find where I read it now.
Good luck!
Double pita!I bought mine through GM. It also is a rebuilt. I also ordered all the hoses from Ecklers before I did the job.
I read in my manual or some place to fill the reservoir and then turn the pump backwards to prime it. When I did, I saw or heard nothing. I just kept turning it for a while anyways. When I started the car and turned the wheels from side to side, I heard or felt nothing. I had power steering immediately. the car drives fine. Go figure!
Maybe someone will respond about turning the pump backwards. I can not find where I read it now.
Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
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Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by larandy
Broke down and replaced power steering pump. Bled the system as recommended--jacked up car and turned steering wheel back and forth 20 times. Still had a modest amount of shudder so jacked up car and turned steering back and forth 40 times. No bubbles or milk color. Now car is not driveable because shudder and whine are so severe. Reservoir is full. Any advice would be appreciated.
Just wanted to pass that along for info.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 85
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From: Selbyville Delaware
Definitely front of car. No noise when turning steering wheel, car running, and front of car is jacked up but when front wheels are on the ground steering wheel is very hard to turn and the noise wakes up the neighbors.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 920
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From: Shelby Township Michigan
A few question / suggestions.
When turning the steering end to end, did you do it very slowly. I mean at a creep speed? If not, try to do so.
How full is the power steering? Is it overfull. If so, use a turkey baster and remove some fluid, turn end to end very slowly, refil to the full line.
One last option prior to replacing the power steering pump would be to take the car to a service shop that has a powersteering system pressure bleeder. This may not be the exact name of the system, but it will flush out the fluid and any contiminants and pressure bleed the system.
Good luck,
Dino
When turning the steering end to end, did you do it very slowly. I mean at a creep speed? If not, try to do so.
How full is the power steering? Is it overfull. If so, use a turkey baster and remove some fluid, turn end to end very slowly, refil to the full line.
One last option prior to replacing the power steering pump would be to take the car to a service shop that has a powersteering system pressure bleeder. This may not be the exact name of the system, but it will flush out the fluid and any contiminants and pressure bleed the system.
Good luck,
Dino
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 85
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From: Selbyville Delaware
Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately turning the wheel slowly didn't work so it looks like I'll have to replace the pump again. In addition, I've noticed that there's antifreeze on the frame by the steering rack. A new water pump too. In addition, I have to replace a front wheel bearing that I replaced less that 3,000 miles ago. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 920
Likes: 1
From: Shelby Township Michigan
I feel your pain. I just replaced the water pump on my '89 with 63,500 miles on it. It's not too hard to do, just takes some time to get everything out of the way. Changed the upper and lower radiator hoses, serpentine belt and thermostat while I was in there.
Good luck,
Dino
Good luck,
Dino