ps pump went south Topic is solved

Post by **Clemens** » 21 Mar 2017, 18:19

On our 95 854 the power steering pump went south today, leaking all over the place. My wife drove home for about a mile with little fluid in the reservoir and a groaning pump. What are the chances the rack and pinion survived? After refilling the reservoir the pump still groans and leaks fluid.

Post by **tryingbe** » 21 Mar 2017, 18:55

Probably. Change the pump and find out.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 21 Mar 2017, 19:03

More likely they survived -- if they weren't an additional source of leaks.

Post by **abscate** » 22 Mar 2017, 01:34

The rack will live without pressure just fine. It doesnt blow up without oil pressure like a transmission.

Post by **Clemens** » 22 Mar 2017, 02:06

Thank you

Post by **Clemens** » 04 Apr 2017, 14:43

So, finally, I got all the parts (used pump, new pressure line o ring, 4 Quarts of ATF) and watchd Robert´s Video in order to tackle the job. Looks like the pump was not the culprit but the pressure line being lose. When I tried to unbolt the pressue line i felt that it was extremely easy to turn with the wrench. After close inspection i saw the old o-ring was pretty ugly. So i gave it a try, replace the o-ring and after some bleeding the old pump runs just fine.

I have no clue why that line came loose after 300.000 km and 21 years, but it was quite an easy fix. Let´s see how the alternator and AC pump hold up after being flooded with ATF (and rinsed with brake cleaner and water).

Post by **abscate** » 04 Apr 2017, 15:03

Its good for them. It helps the electrons flow faster when they are coated in ATF, then the brake fluid helps them stop.

You will be fine.

Post by **dyn blin** » 05 Apr 2017, 09:03

Thanks abscate,I had almost forgotten about the Henway effect from auto shop class.

skloon · Post by **skloon** » 05 Apr 2017, 10:57

I have had that issue too once on a car that I hadn't messed with and once on one I changed the pump on- I replaced the oring with one made to resist acids and stuff- only one I could find and it has been fine-

Post by **abscate** » 05 Apr 2017, 12:02

dyn blin wrote: ↑05 Apr 2017, 09:03 Thanks abscate,I had almost forgotten about the Henway effect from auto shop class.