Author Topic: power steering queery (Read 6194 times)

Smokey Eddy · « **on:** April 11, 2009, 04:16:20 am »

2 years ago i changed the timing belt and accessory belts as my first mechanical job on a car.

I didn't realize there were so many bolts and nuts to undo to loosen the pwr steering pump so i ended up hitting it with a rubber mallet thinking it was just stuck. I eventually figured it out but when i had it bad together and drove it the pwr steering only worked at high RPM.

So, naturally, i thought i screwed the pump. I drove around like that for a while until i finally (several months later) got a pump from the junk yard and it didn't make any difference. Now the power steering doesn't work at all. If i disconnect the belt to the pump the steering is notably easier.

I can't tell if the fluid is flowing through the reservoir. I changed the fluid in it.

Any thoughts? should i try a new pump? (they are kinda pricey so i avoided a new one) Should i just get a smaller belt and not drive the pump anymore?

I don't know anything about power steering. Is there something in the steering rack that needs to be unclogged??

I suppose both pumps could be faulty... but the presence of harder steering while the pump is spinning made me think it was in fact pumping. just maybe the pressure isn't going where it's meant to...
ie. some issue in the rack.

thanks!

katakura silk · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2009, 10:52:11 am »

I would delete it.
I a friend on here that has went with out for over 5 years...

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2009, 12:04:25 pm »

no pump but kept the power steering rack?

I mean, i wouldn't mind doing that. I don't "need" power steering but since all the crap is there for it... if it's something stupid and easy to fix i wouldn't mind draining the fluid, cleaning something and then filling back up and having power steering again.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2009, 01:55:46 pm »

I just deleted the pump and cut the lines on my car. One day I'll put in my manual rack. I've been driving like that for a year, and I had about the same on my old car as well

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2009, 02:00:26 pm »

Anyone have an idea what's wrong with mine? the pump?

rallydiesel · « **Reply #5 on:** April 11, 2009, 02:13:04 pm »

I have no idea but I have a complete PS set-up (rack, pump, lines) I could send you for a low price. I'm converting to manual and the PS worked fine before.

jtanguay · « **Reply #6 on:** April 11, 2009, 02:23:04 pm »

just get rid of the p/s. its easier to do oil changes as well, and one less thing to go wrong :wink:

the caveman · « **Reply #7 on:** April 11, 2009, 02:30:35 pm »

A few possibilities: . Did you put the same pulley from the original pump? if not compare them. Sometimes pulleys get mixed up , i.e. water pump and power steering aren't the same. Other thing could be that it's the wrong pump. Or when you changed them some dirt got in the rack.

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #8 on:** April 13, 2009, 01:07:00 am »

Quote from: "rallydiesel"

I have no idea but I have a complete PS set-up (rack, pump, lines) I could send you for a low price. I'm converting to manual and the PS worked fine before.

That would be mad insane shipping

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #9 on:** April 13, 2009, 01:08:56 am »

Quote from: "the caveman"

A few possibilities: . Did you put the same pulley from the original pump? if not compare them. Sometimes pulleys get mixed up , i.e. water pump and power steering aren't the same. Other thing could be that it's the wrong pump. Or when you changed them some dirt got in the rack.

A few answers: Yes, it's the right pulley - it spins very fast, no slipping. The pump is identical. came out of a vw gasser.
How could i clean the rack out?
I'm convinced the problem is in the rack because the pump is making pressure... hence the difficulty steering when the pump is engaged. The rack has valves in it that let pressure into one side or the other... what should i do?

drrtybyl · « **Reply #10 on:** April 13, 2009, 07:48:56 am »

Does the pump make noises at all during operation? What about the fluid -- have you purged it by loosening the return hose and turning the rack lock-to-lock with the engine running? Did the fluid contain bits of metal when you replaced it? Clear or grimy?

I had a bad PS pump on my 318 that whined like crazy just before it stopped working. Ended up replacing the pump, hoses and all the seals on the rack and steering has been dreamy since.

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #11 on:** April 13, 2009, 01:41:14 pm »

Quote from: "drrtybyl"

Does the pump make noises at all during operation? What about the fluid -- have you purged it by loosening the return hose and turning the rack lock-to-lock with the engine running? Did the fluid contain bits of metal when you replaced it? Clear or grimy?

I had a bad PS pump on my 318 that whined like crazy just before it stopped working. Ended up replacing the pump, hoses and all the seals on the rack and steering has been dreamy since.

No noises...

When i drained the fluid it was a really brown colour. no metal bits though.
It looked like old auto trans fluid. After toping it up I turned full lock both directions several times but i didn't loosen anything?
Which hose do i loosen? loosen to the point of leaking? What do you mean... please, do elaborate!!!

one thing worth mentioning is that i can easily spin the pump by hand when the belt isn't on it.

drrtybyl · « **Reply #12 on:** April 13, 2009, 02:16:49 pm »

Fill the reservoir with fluid, disconnect the return hose going to your pump/filter from the rack and point it into a catch tray. When you start the engine, turn the rack lock-to-lock one time-ish (more will dry out the pump and could cause damage), which will bleed all of the fluid out of the system into your catch tray. Repeat once more and then fill with new fluid.
At this point you'll know that only fresh fluid is in the system.
If you still have steering constriction issues vs. disconnecting the PS belt, I'm guessing it's probably your rack, since you have the same symptoms with the replacement pump, and you've mentioned the pump is spinning freely without any noise.

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #13 on:** April 14, 2009, 02:17:32 pm »

Quote from: "drrtybyl"

Repeat once more and then fill with new fluid.
At this point you'll know that only fresh fluid is in the system.

when i repeat once more... i will have bled a 2nd batch of fluid through it yes? and then after that i fill with more new fluid. Is there anything i have to do to prime it?

Also, i could just have a friend pour fluid in with the car on jack stands with me spinning the wheel yeah?

drrtybyl · « **Reply #14 on:** April 14, 2009, 09:14:29 pm »

Ya -- those instructions assume friendlessness.

Is the fluid you previously replaced the system with still fresh-looking? No metal bits/gunky color?