Power Steering Pump

[lmcree]

Hope all are well at GMT Nation.

I'm sure that I will need to replace my power steering pump...but I would like some feedback to make sure the diagnosis is correct.

When the steering wheel is turned it feels like there is some vibration/stiffness in the steering wheel.

If feels like the steering wheel is not very hard to turn....but it does not freely turn like I remember or would expect.

Also, my wife mentioned that she felt it vibrate when she locked it the right leaving a parking lot a few days ago.

The fluid level is at the proper level.

Let me know if there is additional information I can provide that would help with confirming my suspicion.


*...or denying my suspicion

 

[The_Roadie]

That’s what I'd do if I had changed the fluid to no effect. Have you ever changed fluid?

 

[gmcman]

Could also be a high-pressure hose collapsing from the inside, not likely given the year but what mileage are you at? The pumps aren't terribly expensive but I would also try a fluid change first.

 

[lmcree]

That’s what I'd do if I had changed the fluid to no effect. Have you ever changed fluid?

No I have not changed the fluid. I will add it to the to do list. Thanks for the suggestion and I will keep you posted.

 

[lmcree]

Could also be a high-pressure hose collapsing from the inside, not likely given the year but what mileage are you at? The pumps aren't terribly expensive but I would also try a fluid change first.

The mileage is just north of 114000. I will be sure to inspect the high pressure line.

Any suggestions for an effective and efficient power steering fluid exchange?

Approximately how much fluid will be needed?

I have never tried to change the power steering fluid before....so any suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

[The_Roadie]

Turkey baster. Use one from the dollar store so you don't have to explain it to your wife. Suck out everything in the reservoir. Refill with fresh fluid. Run the steering back and forth a few times. Lather, rinse, repeat. Profit. Not sure how much it will take to run clean.

You can also remove a hose and pump it through. Never did this process.

 

[lmcree]

Turkey baster. Use one from the dollar store so you don't have to explain it to your wife. Suck out everything in the reservoir. Refill with fresh fluid. Run the steering back and forth a few times. Lather, rinse, repeat. Profit. Not sure how much it will take to run clean.

You can also remove a hose and pump it through. Never did this process.

Thanks....will keep you posted.

 

[CaptainXL]

Not sure how much it will take to run clean.

About 2-4 quarts is needed. Depends on how clean you want to get it. It will never be "clear" like from the factory. I got the big container of fluid at AZ or AA. I can imagine using the turkey baster would take a while. I just took off the cooler line and cranked the engine over until it all came out...ran it a few hours and then repeated one more time.

Always make sure to flush the power steering system first or else the new pump will fail.

 

[lmcree]

About 2-4 quarts is needed...... I just took off the cooler line and cranked the engine over until it all came out...ran it a few hours and then repeated one more time.

Always make sure to flush the power steering system first or else the new pump will fail.

Thanks for the information. I will keep you posted.

 

[CaptainXL]

Thanks for the information. I will keep you posted.

If you do change the power steering pump the three bolts are 18 ft/lbs. When swapping over the pulley make sure that it bottoms out completely. Never hammer the pulley onto the new pump as seal damage may result. Always use the appropriate power steering puller kit. You can rent them at most chain auto parts stores.

 

[gmcman]

I pulled the washer reservoir out and had a lot of room to pump it out, used the hole under the washer tank into a jug. Flushing it this way takes two people since the pump will drain the reservoir in just a couple seconds.

Disconnect the low-pressure return line and attach a short length of hose to the pump nipple and cap the other end, set it aside. I believe I used a 3/8 hose barb and made a right angle brass fitting for the return line. Start the motor and have someone turn the wheel lock to lock, the pump will drain the reservoir by the time the wheels are turned all the way...it's real quick.

Like Capt XL stated, takes about 2-4 quarts. I went to Sears since they had the quart bottles of fluid and was a lot cheaper than buying by the pint.

 

[CaptainXL]

I pulled the washer reservoir out and had a lot of room to pump it out,

Yes this is highly recommended. I pulled out my washer reservoir as well to get at the lines with a wrench. Pulling the reservoir gave me an excuse to clean it. There was some mold and dirt in the bottom. Anyone know how mold grows in a methanol/water mixture? Got me. Anyway it looked gross. A few cups of bleach and some water (swish it around) made it look like brand new. I also removed the washer pumps and inspected the inlet screens.

But I think it's much easier to remove the return line of the power steering cooler under the front bumper. This is the line leaving the cooler going to the pump. No fittings or extra hose necessary. This effectively flushes everything out.

For comparison (not sure how much fluid is elsewhere) Autozone has the house p/s fluid for about $4 a quart.

 

[Mooseman]

That's the way I did it but just one more thing. Do the flush using the old pump. That way, all your new pump will see is nice clean fluid with no fear of contaminants ruining it. And I believe this is a warranty requirement.

Also recommend an ACDelco pump. I got a Cardone reman pump and it was almost as noisy as the old one. Replaced it with the ACDelco, all good for 2 years now.

 

[gmcman]

I actually think I drilled that hole under the washer tank, the other hole close by wasn't practical.

 

[CaptainXL]

Also recommend an ACDelco pump. I got a Cardone reman pump and it was almost as noisy as the old one. Replaced it with the ACDelco, all good for 2 years now.

I also know that the Fenco pumps are quiet as well. Would do a price comparison between a Fenco and ACDelco.

All I know is that if you run these vane pumps for any length of time without fluid you can smoke them. So be careful and always perform the flush with the fuel pump fuse removed so the engine doesn't start. If it does and the reservoir empties then you need to return the pump and start over. Just don't tell them you ran it without fluid. lol

 

[Mooseman]

All I know is that if you run these vane pumps for any length of time without fluid you can smoke them. So be careful and always perform the flush with the fuel pump fuse removed so the engine doesn't start. If it does and the reservoir empties then you need to return the pump and start over. Just don't tell them you ran it without fluid. lol

Or do it with the old pump

 

[seanpooh]

Removing the windshield washer reservoir

I flushed my power steering at the cooler, just like we would with the tranny. The hose to the reservoir you block and attach a tube to the top outlet of the cooler. No taking any reservoir out.

 

[triz]

There is good reviews on the Fenco pump.

 

[gmcman]

Removing the windshield washer reservoir

I flushed my power steering at the cooler, just like we would with the tranny. The hose to the reservoir you block and attach a tube to the top outlet of the cooler. No taking any reservoir out.

I may try that next time. Fluid reservoir isn't too bad, just need to argue with the lines a little and set it out of the way. Cooler lines sound simpler...honestly didn't even think about it at the time.

 

[filthyfingers]

I may try that next time. Fluid reservoir isn't too bad, just need to argue with the lines a little and set it out of the way. Cooler lines sound simpler...honestly didn't even think about it at the time.

I'm using the turkey baster method. Every few days I suck out the contents of the p/s reservoir and add new fluid. When I started the stuff looked reddish - brown. If I didn't know better I'd say there was old trannie fluid in there. Anyway, after about one and a half quarts things are looking better. Still I bet I'll need 2 or more quarts. Its a slow process.

 

[filthyfingers]

Replacing the fluid really did not help. The pump was bad. Replaced it with an AZ reman and their loaner tools which worked just fine. Nice and quiet now. About $70 plus another gallon of fluid.

 

[Mooseman]

 

[CaptainXL]

Replacing the fluid really did not help. The pump was bad. Replaced it with an AZ reman and their loaner tools which worked just fine. Nice and quiet now. About $70 plus another gallon of fluid.

Try Advance Auto next time. They usually have $20 off $50, $30 off $75 and $50 off $100 spent. Retailmenot.com has all the coupon codes.

http://www.retailmenot.com/s/advance+auto