power steering puked
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
power steering puked
this morning started my 86 to go for a ride---heard some racket under the hood--opened the hood and it sounded like the power steering pump was makin all the noise---so I shut it off---looked & didn't see any problem---started it again same noise so I turned the steering wheel a little and it pumps about a cup fluid on the floor---I get under the car and can't see where it came from---fluid reservoir was half empty---replaced the fluid and started it again---no noise no leaks works fine---now what the #@!& is going on 
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 5
From: Charlotte NC
The noise you heard most likely was the pump if you hadn't moved the wheel yet. You need to first locate the leak. Make sure the reservoir is full, clean all areas involved (pump, connections/hoses, rack ends, etc.). Chances are you might find the leak while cleaning. If not, turn the engine on and turn the wheel from full left to full right a few times. Even better if you can have someone else do this while you watch for the leak.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
After I refilled the reservoir, I did turn the steering wheel full left then full right 3 or 4 times---no leaks no noise. By the way this car has 123,000 miles. I just tried again a minute ago---no prolem.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,304
Likes: 240
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Your pump may have been suffering from cavitation or not making good contact with belt, when you heard the noise.
As for the fluid on the floor, I'll bet it came from the reservoir. I have found on other vehicles, that if fluid is not moving in the system and you turn the steering wheel, the res fills up and pukes.
As for the fluid on the floor, I'll bet it came from the reservoir. I have found on other vehicles, that if fluid is not moving in the system and you turn the steering wheel, the res fills up and pukes.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 5
From: Charlotte NC
Your pump may have been suffering from cavitation or not making good contact with belt, when you heard the noise.
As for the fluid on the floor, I'll bet it came from the reservoir. I have found on other vehicles, that if fluid is not moving in the system and you turn the steering wheel, the res fills up and pukes.
As for the fluid on the floor, I'll bet it came from the reservoir. I have found on other vehicles, that if fluid is not moving in the system and you turn the steering wheel, the res fills up and pukes.
That makes sense.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,723
Likes: 11
From: Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada
