Power Steering Pump?
Thread Starter
Acct suspended by request 19 April 2010
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Power Steering Pump?
The last couple days my steering to the left seemed to be getting tight especially at idle. Today, now, it is making this God aweful noise and vibration when I turn to the right whether I am sitting still or moving...does it sound like the pump has gone bad? it also seems to make noise when I am braking, are the two systems somehow joined?
Thread Starter
Acct suspended by request 19 April 2010
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 66
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on the inside of the car the vibration feels like something is rubbing on the tires, like its bumpin the frame or something, but it does it while the tires are straight if i just lightly turn to the left...nothing to the right tho.
Thread Starter
Acct suspended by request 19 April 2010
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 66
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ok, i jacked it and took of the wheel, everything works fine. the resevior is full and everything. doesnt look milky or smell odd. and now that its got no weight on it it turns fine. but with weight, at an idle, the steering wheel will freeze up going left and i have to bump it to turn left....can anyone help???
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 19
From: SW Chicago Burbs IL
First thing to try is changing the fluid. Suck it out with a turkey baster and add fresh stuff. Turn the rack a few times with the wheels up to work the fluid in and work any bubbles out. Repeat a few times. Worked for mine.
Matthew
Matthew
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Could be a sign of the steering rack going south. If you feel/hear something when only turning in one direction, the pump itself wouldn't be the cause. The PS rack has valves that control pressure to whichever direction you steer.
The power steering system has no relationship to the brakes in terms of operation. But I would also check for bad ball joints on the side where you have the problem. Also check the tie rod end on that side. Nothing should be loose or sloppy.
Also, check the front hub for excess play. With the car jacked up, grab the tire at the top and bottom and see if it moves in and out. You don't have to push hard to do this.
The power steering system has no relationship to the brakes in terms of operation. But I would also check for bad ball joints on the side where you have the problem. Also check the tie rod end on that side. Nothing should be loose or sloppy.
Also, check the front hub for excess play. With the car jacked up, grab the tire at the top and bottom and see if it moves in and out. You don't have to push hard to do this.
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Thread Starter
Acct suspended by request 19 April 2010
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Could be a sign of the steering rack going south. If you feel/hear something when only turning in one direction, the pump itself wouldn't be the cause. The PS rack has valves that control pressure to whichever direction you steer.
The power steering system has no relationship to the brakes in terms of operation. But I would also check for bad ball joints on the side where you have the problem. Also check the tie rod end on that side. Nothing should be loose or sloppy.
Also, check the front hub for excess play. With the car jacked up, grab the tire at the top and bottom and see if it moves in and out. You don't have to push hard to do this.
The power steering system has no relationship to the brakes in terms of operation. But I would also check for bad ball joints on the side where you have the problem. Also check the tie rod end on that side. Nothing should be loose or sloppy.
Also, check the front hub for excess play. With the car jacked up, grab the tire at the top and bottom and see if it moves in and out. You don't have to push hard to do this.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
What C4cruiser said. Certainly heat has something to do with steering, namely seals warming up and sealing better. My first guess would be a faulty rack. Flushing may help.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: Chapin South Carolina
I agree. Flush fluid and also check your belt. I had this problem with a different car and it was a worn belt. So it would come and go and getting useful info out of my 19 year old daughter is not always easy. 
