The Neverending Power Steering Problem...

[kmank]

The Neverending............

Sorry guys for not giving you more heads ups on this thing but I just keep waiting to be able to say "everything is perfect". Well, its not "perfect" but it sure is drivable and my anxiety in waiting for things to fail again is getting less and less. The pump is constantly buzzing. The temps outside have been quite cool in the morns and the buzzing isn't as loud as after about 5-10 mins of driving. It's definitly very noticable being the windows are closed and I don't drive with the radio on. I've always tried to do my turning when the car is moving some what to minimize the stress on the steering components. If I try to turn while at a stop the buzzing increases and I can feel the strain on the steering wheel. The fluid level is fine. No bubbles, nice and thick with the new Dexron-Mercon fluid. No leaks any where as I chk often. Cooler def had no leaks. Should I go for pump #3 ? They're not that expensive. I'm wondering if I'm screwing up "pump" bearing when removing and replacing pully. Using right tools but it's still a difficult job. As for the belt and where it broke...??? really can't remember but I think it was kind of shreaded ( it def was pretty worn ) and I think it was as a rubber band would break. And finally; No. My battery light doesn't come on. I replaced Alt about 3-4 yeats ago and with the changing of belts and pump(s) I'd always spin the alt pulley and listen for any sounds. I think that also is alright. The pump??? If I had a few of you who would steer (pardon the pun) me in that direction to get another,with a few half way decent reasons then I'll probably do it. Thanks again guys for stayin' on this case. You're all great. gk

 

[d_r_young]

Same power steering issue...Driving me crazy

I am having the same issue as Kmank. My serp belt went one morning, so i replaced that first. Then I noticed my p/s pump growling, then replaced that. After 3 Autozone power steering pumps, I decided to replace the rack and pinion, p/s steering fluid cooler, all power steering lines, both outer tie rods. One thing I did notice is that the outer tie rods were both shot and very stiff. After getting all back together the pump is once again buzzing. I've bled the system to the point where there should be little to no air, however I cannot get past the pump buzzing on turns. It is not so noticable during straight driving, just during any kind of turn. It also seems to buzz more on left hand turns more so than right hand. I made checked the tie rods and packed with more grease to ensure lubrication, but the buzzing is still there during turns. I didn't notice my OEM pump get this loud during turns. Periodically I feel the buzzing in the steering wheel when I turn which cannot be good. I drove it to work today, so this is the first day on the road with the entirely new steering system. Not sure what else to try, however I was not aware of the P/S ATF fluid reccomendation. I may try this if I go through another pump, but this is ridiculous, I am at my wits end with this thing!!!! Please Help....

 

[boominXplorer]

It is very hard to get the air out of the system. The system calls for atf but I have had the best luck with valvoline max life power steering fluid. I recently had an issue with my focus pump whining and all I did was remove the resivior, cleaned it out and refilled. Turned the car on, waited for it to low idle then went lock to lock with the wheel. Then shutdown and let sit for 15 min to let the air escape out the fluid. It's been silent and smooth for the past 5k miles.