PS Pump

[tmicklet]

Has anyone found a magic cure for the ****** power steering pump found on our cars??

[tmicklet]

Sorry, guess i wasnt as descriptive as needed. The problem is the notorious whine at low speeds. Thanks :o

[Jason Wild]

try new oil I did and it's gone.

[Notorious SI-G]

And make sure you use ATF, not PS fluid.

[Ryan A Harris]

And make sure you use ATF, not PS fluid.

That should help me out. About 2 years ago I had the P/S pump & a complete new rack put in. Now the P/S is so bad its louder than my exhaust. :eek: I have tried the lucas addivite, and its pretty good stuff. Also any local auto shop can suck out all of your old fluid and put in whatever you wish. Or you could buy a turkey baster from the dollar store and suck it out your self. Longer, but waaay cheaper.

[HoseHead]

I just changed mine for a new unit this spring. After the change it will still cost you another $120 to change the idler pulleys that are now audible!! But after that, there's also another noise....I think it's the big silver thing on top of the engine......a sweet noise indeed.

I drained the system from the rack connections after the pump was removed. I spent a day cleaning the IC tubes, battery tray and other items in the front left corner under the hood. The fluid looked ok, but I got out as much as I could using good old gravity. I filled the system with synthetic ATF and ran it for about two days (100kms or so) and then drained it again from the rack. Then re-filled with synthetic ATF and about 6oz of Lucas Synthetic. no problems or noises in 5000 kms or so.

So after all that ramble, just change the pump. $227 with a core from Hosie & Brown. It's the bearings that fail and squeal. Replacement cost is comparable to a new unit and worth the added expense once you factor in the labour to R&R the pump. They were designed to throw away anyway.

A full day install as both IC tubes, IC, coil pack, battery have to come out. Don't try to short cut as it will cost you time in the long run. IC for sure as it is like a cheese grater on your arms.

Before you begin, you'll need:

- PS pump pulley puller/installing tool - Ukranian Tire has them on their tool loaner program. Pounding on the pulley will just cost you another pump.
- IC tube sealant X4 connections.
- don't pry on the PS body, it will break after it cracks.
- CRITICAL!! - ensure you replace the Telfon gasket at the pressure fitting on the pump. My PS came with it, but I didn't replace as the original looked flawless. It pissed all over the floor. The gasket is compressable once.
- Have a 1 1/8" open end wrench to tighten the pressure fitting once you realize you didn't tighten it enough before installing. Actually, the pressure fitting is easier to tighten after the pump is installed and the IC tubes torqued to spec.
- A nice easy left side spark plug change while the left side is naked. Do it now - while the rack is draining.
- Haynes Manual is pretty good and has pictures along with system burping instructions.

Good luck. Questions anytime. Later, eh...

[johnny o]

I always switched the fluid to MasterCraft Power Steering Stop Leak. Don't be fooled by the name on the back it says it is a 100% suitable replacement for the fluid. It always worked the best for me and eliminated all the noise! It's pretty cheap too and ofcourse at Canadian Tire.

[tmicklet]

Thanks for the input guys, I think i will try some good ATF with a little lucas oil. If that doesnt work, I may swap in a rebuild or spare pump. Thanks again.