strange thing with power steering pump

[user10]

After a 1.400 km trip when I came home the power steering pump stopped working.

I tried to get the air out removed the cap end steer the wheel left and right (I have to mention that this thing happen almost 8 month ago and this worked) nothing changed.

So I go to a workshop where they drained the pump at my request and refill it again nothing changed and they said that is the pump so I had to order one from US (a rebuild pump which cost me 200 $)

And now the odd thing:

After five days of workout with my wheel I was out of town and cruising at 100 km/h for a few km and when I came back the pump was working. (this was two days ago and the steering is working since then)

Today I have to pick up the pump which came from the US and my question is:

There is a known way of making the power steering pump working after a full refill and they didn’t know about or this is the last breath of the pump and I have to be ready to change it at anytime from now?

Thank you!

 

[spta97]

I can't speak from experience with steering pumps but electronics in general tend to work / not work before they die for good. For peace of mind I would just replace the pump with new so it doesn't die at the wrong time (ie: emergency manuver). Others may have more thoughts.

 

[glfredrick]

It almost sounds as if your pump is having a high speed cavitation and/or whipping of the oil into a froth. That is usually caused by something along the lines of an air leak in the return line, allowing it to suck in a small amount of air with the return oil.

Cavatation of the pump (what happens when it pumps air and oil) usually destroys the pump impellor or at the very least diminishes its capacity to pump enough pressure and flow for steady useage.

In high pressure hydraulic systems (like those on construction equipment) pump cavataion can turn the pump internals into chunks of wasted metal in a matter of seconds.

While I cannot know for sure that this is your problem, it sounds likely due to the things you described.

A new pump is the best solution - and then keeping it filled to the proper level with the proper oil - and eliminating any air leaks should solve the problem for you.

Keep us posted as to your results... And great to hear from someone outside the USA or Canada...