97 850 NA steering noise

Post by **scot850** » 17 Nov 2016, 16:52

The project 850 that went to California for my niece has developed a strange noise that appears to come from the steering system. It is a strange gurgling noise that is quite loud when at idle but tends to go away when loaded. I don't have the car nearby to check it out but could this be the pump failing is some way? I did flush and clean as much of the power steering (ATF) fluid as I could before sending the car off and it ran fine for well over 2500 miles before this started.

The serpentine belt is new (Conti). Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **sleddriver** » 17 Nov 2016, 18:32

If I recall, there is a rubber seal under the cap, capable of holding pressure, as mine will at times "psssst" when opened. Could it be sucking air into a vortex? How's the fluid level?

My original pump complains rather loudly for about the first 15s of driving when cold, then no more. I too did a thorough flush during my mammoth Stage 0 attack. It was quiet at cold for awhile, now it's back to making noise when woken. Odd that.

Post by **scot850** » 20 Nov 2016, 14:08

Yes it would appear doing a service is not a good idea on the PS system?!

Fluid level is on MAX when cold or hot relative to the correct marking. System seems to operate correctly, but has the embarrassing noise.

I've advise my brother to take the car to a repair shop that was recommended by dyn blin which is nearby or even to the dealer. An experienced ear should have a good idea of what the noise is without any real diagnosis.

I'll update if I hear back.

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **misha** » 20 Nov 2016, 14:31

There is possibillity that power steering is sucking air somewhere.You can try to bleed the air from the system and see if that helps.
If there is no improvement,than ps pump pulley bearing is failing.

Post by **scot850** » 21 Nov 2016, 12:14

Thanks misha for your help. I will pass the information along. As I mentioned earlier the fluid level is at max at the appropriate temp (Hot or Cold) and the car so far drives normal, just making this annoying gurgling noise. No signs of leaking as the level is staying constant. Car has driven 3-4000km since fluid was changed for fresh ATF as specified.

It will teach me to be diligent and service my cars regularly!

I haven't heard back from my brother as I told him I have a good used power steering pump he can have for the 98 and older models. I did offer it to him when he collected the car, but he refused to take it. Oh, well. Really it is his problem now.

Appreciate the help.

Neil.