Power Steering Pump Fried?

valvolvo70 · Post by **valvolvo70** » 28 Mar 2023, 15:28

My PS pump is making a hiss/grinding noise like a bad bearing, not the typical whining when turning the steering wheel (see video). The pulley has a slight wobble and looks like the only bearing would be in the pump itself.

I used a small plastic tube (stethoscope) to check the other pulleys and all sounded normal.

Replace the complete pump due to a bad bearing?

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Post by **scot850** » 28 Mar 2023, 17:02

I'm guessing the ATF level is correct? When was the fluid last flushed? Make sure you do not mix Pentosin fluid with ATF!!

Neil.

valvolvo70 · Post by **valvolvo70** » 28 Mar 2023, 17:46

scot850 wrote: ↑28 Mar 2023, 17:02 I'm guessing the ATF level is correct? When was the fluid last flushed? Make sure you do not mix Pentosin fluid with ATF!!

Neil.

Level is correct and its been a while since flushed.

Post by **scot850** » 28 Mar 2023, 19:05

Even if you can suck the old oil out of the header tank with a turkey baster and the run for a couple of days and repeat and see if it makes any improvement. If not then it may well be your pump bearing if it is affected by turning the steering wheel.

Neil

valvolvo70 · Post by **valvolvo70** » 04 Apr 2023, 16:27

Power steering pump is toast (see video). Left side pump is used, purchased on eBay. Right is the old fried pump which would barely turn and explains the poor steering performance and weird smells. Installed the used pump today and works great!. Only PITA is removing the bolt on the back side located just under the thermostat. I didn't have a ratchet shallow enough, and not sure it exists, to fit between the intake and bolt so lots of 2-finger threading.

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