PAS pump, possible failure?

Site Subscriber Joined: 29 Dec 2004 Posts: 395

Well it looks like it's a summer of steering problems for our RR members.

Got my car back from being straightened out, all is good, drives in a straight line and all that.

Problem is, the steering now feels a lot heavier than it was before and when i turn the wheel there is a loud hissing (not air, more like a PAS fluid squirting noise) this goes on whilst i'm turning the wheel, then for a couple of seconds after i stop turning.
Also if i reach full lock there is a screaching noise (the aux belt slipping on the pump i think)
Sounds like the steering on one of our old john deers. lol

I checked the fluid level and all is good. Thats about as far as my knowledge goes with PAS so i'm stumped. All i can think is that the pump is shot.

Any ideas???

Cheers!

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

feel the rack gaiters, if they are full or feel squidy the racks gone.

Site Subscriber Joined: 29 Dec 2004 Posts: 395

Right, just checked them, the OS gaiter is clean and nothing inside. The NS gaiter seems ok but there is a bit of fluid leaking from it but doesnt feel like theres a great deal inside. Maybe just a drop.

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

should be no fluid in there.

Anyway, some can seep through so don't condemn it yet.

Is the pump making the noise or the rack? I know its not easy to pinpoint it. Is there any clicking noises?

Site Subscriber Joined: 29 Dec 2004 Posts: 395

No clicking noises. I need to get someone to turn the wheel while i look under the bonnet to locate it.
Thinking about it, i'd say it was the rack, it sounds very close to me when driving if you get what i mean.

Havn't got chance now but i'll go over it tomorrow.
Could even be a pinched pipe from the accident, can't really rule anything out until i'va had a full inspection.

Level 5 User Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 119

Sorry to bring up a dead topic, but chris, just wondering what a click noise when the power steering is turned means?

Im pretty sure its the aux belt jumping. whats causing that i dont kno? Not being tight enough perhaps?Or new pump time?

Noticed its probably cheaper to do a manual steering conversion that buy a new pump!

Level 6 User Joined: 16 Dec 2005 Posts: 145

BenLewisMav";p="106069 wrote:

Sorry to bring up a dead topic, but chris, just wondering what a click noise when the power steering is turned means?

Im pretty sure its the aux belt jumping. whats causing that i dont kno? Not being tight enough perhaps?Or new pump time?

Noticed its probably cheaper to do a manual steering conversion that buy a new pump!

Mine started squealing one day, pump thought to be knackered, it wasnt belt just needed tightening i suggest you try it.

Clicking i believe is caused by over tightened strut tops damaging the beearing on the top mounts (i think).

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

clicking can be dodgy top bearings like laine sad but over tightening isn;t the cause.

But clickign can also be the pumps internal pressure valve actuating. You shouldn't turn the steering wheel whilst the cars stood still anyway

Level 5 User Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 119

Thanks laine and chris.
The clicking it seems is coming from the aux belt itself jumping on possibly the crank wheel.
However, once the car is raised off the ground (and the pressure is relieved from the wheels/pump) it doesnt do it and turns without problem.

I think the belt needs tightening and if anything is wrong then its a weak pump.

Level 6 User Joined: 16 Dec 2005 Posts: 145

Tighten the belt and see what happens.

Level 5 User Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 119

Ok, tightened the belt and made sure the system was bled properly. Was perfect and could turn lock to lock (not good for it i kno but it works) with no unusual noise, left it for a week or so and started it today, now it makes a really bad clicky/rattly noise at even the slightest of turn. Sounds like somethings about to fall apart, my friend thinks its because the battery not having charge is causing extra stress on the alternator, in turn putting stress on the pas pump??
He also mentioned his did it a lot when he bought it, but it really does sound like shite, loud too, and i cant really imagine him driving it like it.
Any ideas?
OH and also had to top up the pas fluid a bit

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

pumps probably on its way out

Level 5 User Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 119

Well looks like theres a leak somewhere, PAS fluid in a small puddle on the floor...
Do the pumps themselves leak?
I'll check the connecting hoses (the best I can!) anyway