noise in power steering pump...
 

hello all,

im wondering if anyone had a loud noise comming from the steering pump?

could it be that my pump is going out?

at first i thought it was the altenator making a loud whining noise after getting closer i found that its the power steering pump...i also noticed that the pump is covered with steering fluid. could this be why when i do some turns the wheels shake?

that would probably be the o-ring on the power steering unit. go to the how-to documents...i believe it would be under engine...and there is a DIY for you to replace it.

The noise you report indicates air in the fluid, causing elasticity. This could be, and is often caused by a leaking O ring as has been correctly pointed out.

However you state that you notice a loss of fluid. This means that there could be another leak, which could well be letting in air as well as leaking fluid. You should certainly find the leak and fix it. :)

The O-Ring How-To is Here in the Steering Section. :) :)

so most likely i wont be having to buy a new pump?.....im going to replace that o-ring. thanx guys, ill report after i replace it. :)

i noticed that there is fluid all over the power steering pump and around connected hoses....im sure if that o-ring is wore out that thats where the fluid is comming from? right???

Right! If that is the case, you will think you put a new pump in when the O-Ring is replaced. :D :D

When the O ring leaks in air, there is often no evidence of fluid leaking out. Your report indicates that fluid could be coming from somewhere other than O ring, therefore you should properly investigate all possibilities.

roger that....will do.

no suby dealer had the o-ring nor any parts place....looks like ill have to order it. i looked at all kinds of o-rings non close to the size's mentioned.

outside - 15mm
inside - 12mm
thick - 2mm


edit- just ordered the o-ring should be here thursday.

the o-ring came in today and right away i started to replace it....i noticed when i took the fluid reservoir out, there was oil where the 2 torx bolts screw in(the threads) is that normal.....or is it a sign of fluid leak?
here is a pic.....click on the picture to make it bigger.
http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/905...readgl9.th.jpg

heres a couple of pictures of the crusted o-ring and the new o-ring...
click to view...
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/2...ingsjo2.th.jpg
guess witch one is the old one....
http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/5...ngs2ev8.th.jpg


it took me about 5 mins for the whole procedure, went smoothly thanks to the how to pdf. :cool:
only one problem i had was i spilled a lil of the new fluid on the belts :o , so it sqeals a little when i give it gas...but i have an idea. other then that the loud whining went away...and it does feel like i just put in a new pump ensteele. =]

im yet to find out if the steering wheel still shutters(shakes) when turning.

Thanx again people.

I am willing to bet that the shutters and shakes will go away too! :D Hate to tell you "I told you so", but I did. :p :D :D :D
This is not the first time we have seen this happen. :rolleyes: ;)

i felt it shake and shutter again.....was not as bad.

will it go away on its own?

make sure you dont put power steering fluid in the power steeering that would make to much sense, it uses ATF :rolleyes:

lesson learned

I have a pin hole in one of my lines, it leaks very slowly. If it gets low it makes noise, so i have to keep adding ATF to it if it gets low until i get a chance to replace the hose.

Jason,
If it is the high pressure hose (fittings on each end) you can get it rebuilt at a local shop that rebuilds hydraulic hoses. If it is one of the low pressure lines it can be replaced with 3/8" ATF hose that you can pick up at any auto parts store.